“How long does it take to sober up?” is one of the most frequently asked questions after drinking alcohol, whether it’s one drink or a night of heavy consumption. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While many people hope for a quick fix or a magic timeline, the truth is that sobering up depends on a range of factors. In this guide, we explore how long it takes to get sober from alcohol, what influences that process, and what you can do to safely manage alcohol’s lingering effects.

What Does It Mean to Be Sober?

Being sober means more than just “not feeling drunk.” From a legal perspective, sobriety often refers to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below 0.08%, the legal limit for driving in most U.S. states. But even when you feel “normal,” alcohol can still impair your reflexes, coordination, and judgment. So when asking how long it takes to sober up enough to drive, it’s not just about how you feel—it’s about how your body has metabolized the alcohol.

Sobriety also carries a broader meaning for those recovering from alcohol use disorder, involving complete abstinence and often structured treatment. But in the context of this article, we’ll focus on how long it takes to stop being drunk after drinking.

How Long Does It Take for Alcohol to Leave Your System?

Your body metabolizes alcohol at a relatively fixed rate, typically about one standard drink per hour. A standard drink is defined as:

• 12 oz of beer (5% ABV)
  
  
• 5 oz of wine (12% ABV)
  
  
• 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% ABV)
  
  

If you drink more than one drink per hour, your BAC will continue to rise until your liver catches up. For example, if you drink six beers over three hours, it may take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours to fully sober up.

The timeline to get sober depends on multiple variables: your weight, sex, metabolism, liver health, how much you’ve eaten, and how fast you drank. That means two people can consume the same amount of alcohol and sober up at vastly different rates.

How Long Do the Effects of Alcohol Last?

Most people begin to feel alcohol’s effects within 15 to 30 minutes of drinking. As BAC rises, so do levels of intoxication. Mild effects like warmth or lightheadedness may wear off in a couple of hours, but more intense symptoms like slurred speech, impaired motor function, and poor coordination can persist longer.

Once BAC starts to decline, many people think they’re sober, but residual impairment can last for several more hours. Hangovers—characterized by nausea, fatigue, and mental fog—can last up to 24 hours. If you’re wondering how long does it take to not be drunk or how long it takes for drunkenness to wear off, the answer could range from a few hours to more than a day depending on your level of intoxication.

Sober-Up Timeline Based on Quantity Consumed

One of the most common questions is how long it takes to sober up after a certain number of drinks. Here’s a general guide based on average alcohol metabolism:

• 1-2 drinks: Expect to feel sober in 1.5 to 3 hours
  
  
• 3-5 drinks: May take 6 to 8 hours to fully sober up
  
  
• 6+ drinks: Can require 12 to 24 hours to metabolize completely
  
  

Remember, these are averages. Factors like hydration, body mass, and tolerance can speed up or slow down the process. This is especially important for those wondering how long it takes to get sober after 6 beers or whether they can sober up in 2 hours—in most cases, the answer is no.

Common Myths About Sobering Up Fast

Contrary to popular belief, there is no quick fix for sobering up. Drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or exercising won’t speed up your liver’s ability to process alcohol. The only thing that truly sobers you up is time.

Still, people search for how to get sober fast or how to sober up quickly. While hydration, rest, and eating nutrient-rich foods can help you feel a bit better, they won’t lower your BAC any faster. If you’re still wondering how long does it take to be sober after drinking or how long to sober up to drive, remember: the liver takes its time.

Why Some People Stay Drunk Longer

Some people metabolize alcohol more slowly due to genetics, medical conditions, or alcohol tolerance. Those who drink frequently may not feel drunk at higher BAC levels but are still impaired. Others may feel the effects for longer due to dehydration or an empty stomach.

If you’ve ever asked, “how long does it take for someone to sober up?” and didn’t get a clear answer, it’s because personal biology plays such a large role. The only accurate way to know your BAC is through a breathalyzer or blood test.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay Detectable?

Even if you feel sober, alcohol can remain in your system for longer periods depending on the test:

• Breath: Up to 24 hours
  
  
• Urine: 12 to 48 hours
  
  
• Blood: Up to 12 hours
  
  
• Hair: Up to 90 days
  
  

This is crucial for anyone asking how long after drinking are you sober or how long until drunk wears off. Legally and medically, being “sober” might take longer than you think.

When Sobering Up Becomes a Struggle

If you’re often asking how long it takes to get sober from drinking or you find yourself needing to sober up fast frequently, it might be a sign of a deeper issue. Those dependent on alcohol experience withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and sobering up is more complex than just letting time pass.

In such cases, professional help may be necessary. Alcohol addiction treatment programs offer support, detox services, and therapy to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety.

Final Thoughts: Time Is the Only Cure

So, how long does it take to sober up? The reality is that it depends. For most people, it takes about one hour per standard drink, but countless factors can change that timeline. If you’re planning to drive or make an important decision, always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, you’re better off waiting longer or seeking a BAC test.

And if you find yourself searching for how to get undrunk or how to sober up fast more often than you’d like, consider reaching out for help. Sobriety is possible—and for many, it’s life-changing.

Need Help With Alcohol Use? If you’re struggling to stop drinking or just want to better understand your relationship with alcohol, our compassionate treatment programs can guide you toward long-lasting recovery. Call now to speak with a specialist.

Ready to Get Sober Safely and Start Healing?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to sober up or how to stop being drunk safely, the answer may be more complex than time alone. At Asana Recovery, we understand that sobering up from alcohol isn’t just about waiting out the buzz—it’s about addressing the underlying patterns of alcohol use. Whether you’re struggling with frequent binge drinking, can’t seem to stay sober, or feel like you never fully recover from a night of drinking, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team offers evidence-based, personalized treatment plans designed to support you through detox, recovery, and long-term sobriety. Don’t wait to feel like yourself again—take the first step toward healing today.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Sober Up?

How long does it take to sober up after drinking?

On average, it takes about one hour for your body to metabolize a standard drink, but this time can vary depending on factors like your weight, age, metabolism, and how much food you’ve eaten. If you’ve had several drinks, it could take 6 to 12 hours or more to fully sober up, depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). So if you’re wondering how long to sober up after drinking, the answer depends on how many drinks you consumed and over what period.

Can you sober up in 2 hours?

In most cases, you cannot sober up completely in 2 hours, especially if you’ve had more than one or two drinks. The liver processes alcohol slowly—about one drink per hour—so even if you stop drinking, your body still needs time to eliminate the alcohol. If you’re searching “can you sober up in 2 hours” after drinking heavily, the answer is no.

How to sober up fast?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic trick to sober up quickly. Cold showers, coffee, or greasy food might help you feel more alert, but they won’t lower your BAC. If you’re looking for ways on how to get sober fast or how to sober up quickly, the truth is only time and liver function can make you sober. Staying hydrated and resting can help your body recover, but they don’t speed up the alcohol elimination process.

How long does it take for alcohol to wear off?

Depending on how much you’ve consumed, alcohol can take anywhere from a few hours to over a full day to wear off completely. If you’re wondering how long does it take for alcohol effects to wear off, the general rule is one drink per hour, but hangover symptoms can last longer—especially after binge drinking.

How long does it take to get sober from alcohol?

Getting completely sober from alcohol depends on your consumption level. If you’re asking how long does it take to get sober from alcohol, the average is one hour per drink, but withdrawal from alcohol dependence may take several days or weeks, and medical detox is sometimes necessary.

How many hours does it take to sober up from alcohol?

Typically, it takes one to two hours to sober up from one drink, but if you drank multiple drinks, you’ll need that many hours or more to become sober. If you had six beers, you might not be sober for at least 6 to 12 hours.

How long does it take to sober up enough to drive?

In most U.S. states, you need a BAC under 0.08% to drive legally. So if you’re wondering how long does it take to sober up to drive, use the one-hour-per-drink rule as a bare minimum. That said, even if you feel okay, your reflexes and judgment may still be impaired—so driving isn’t recommended unless you’re confident you’re fully sober.

How long does it take to not be drunk anymore?

Most people will stop feeling drunk once their BAC drops below 0.05%. However, individuals with low tolerance might feel the effects longer. So, how long does it take to not be drunk? For most, it ranges from 4 to 10 hours, but the exact time depends on how much you drank.

What’s the fastest way to sober up?

There’s no scientifically proven way to sober up instantly. The fastest and only reliable way is to wait it out. Staying hydrated, resting, and eating can support your body while it metabolizes the alcohol. So if you’re Googling fastest way to get sober or how to sober up fast from alcohol, remember—time is the only cure.

Informational Sources (APA Style)

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). Alcohol metabolism: An update. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohol-metabolism

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Fact sheets – Binge drinking. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Blood alcohol content (BAC): What it is & how it’s measured. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4304-blood-alcohol-content-bac

Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Hangovers: Symptoms, causes, and remedies. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hangovers

National Library of Medicine. (2022). Alcohol intoxication. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm