Alcohol typically stays in the blood for up to 12 hours after consumption. The exact duration can vary based on factors such as the amount consumed, individual metabolism, age, weight, liver function, and whether food was eaten. On average, the body metabolizes alcohol at about one standard drink per hour, so a standard drink can be cleared from the blood in roughly one hour, but heavier or chronic drinking can extend detection times up to 12 hours in blood tests.
