Approximately how long does it take for an average person to eliminate one drink?

The average person typically metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one standard drink per hour. This general guideline is based on various factors, including body weight, age, metabolic rate, and individual tolerance to alcohol. A standard drink usually contains around 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is roughly the amount found in 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

Understanding this rate is crucial for safe drinking practices and helps in making informed decisions about consuming alcohol, especially when it comes to activities that require full cognitive and motor function, such as driving.

The other time options, such as 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 1.5 hours, do not align with the average metabolic rate. For example, while a person may feel some effects of alcohol dissipate in a short time, the body’s complete processing of that alcohol generally takes longer, reinforcing the accuracy of the one-hour guideline.