Drug testing for alcohol is undoubtedly something that most of us might face at one point, with recreational drug and alcohol use so prevalent in the population.
It is why we have prepared a guide on how to test yourself at home to be certain. This guide intends to clarify any questions you have about alcohol in your body and what to expect from the alcohol testing process.
DOES ALCOHOL SHOW UP IN A URINE SCREENS?
Yes. A urine drug test is also the most popular type of test conducted by people seeking detoxification. While being metabolized in our system, alcohol ends up in the urine before being expelled. If a test is performed while the alcohol is still present, the test will most likely be positive.
A positive urine alcohol test can carry severe consequences, including suspension, job termination, and a damaged reputation.
HOW LONG DOES ALCOHOL STAY IN URINE?
Urine tests are inexpensive to perform and reasonably accurate for their purpose. When facing a urine test for alcohol, it is essential to understand how long it will show up in your urine after drinking.
After being metabolized by the liver [2], alcohol will move to your urine. How long the alcohol will be detectable in your urine depends on several factors:
- The amount of alcohol you have consumed
- Your overall health, especially liver function
- Age and genetics [3]
- Whether you consumed any food while drinking
- The time of your last drink
On average, the standard urine tests can detect alcohol in urine for twelve to twenty-four hours after the last drink. There have been developments in testing procedures, though, and more advanced tests can detect alcohol in urine anywhere from three to seven days. Those extended tests are more expensive and not as common, however.
CAN I DRINK THE NIGHT BEFORE A SCREENING?
While it might be within the realms of possibility that your body can fully metabolize alcohol and expel it through urine overnight, consuming alcohol the night before the test is risky. There is no way to determine the likelihood of a positive or negative urine test in those circumstances, due to the large variety of factors.
The chances are good that alcohol will show up in a urine screening if you have been drinking the night before.
SOME TIPS FOR YOU
Our intention is not to provide you with ways to trick the system. Drug testing is a necessary and even essential practice in sensitive jobs, ensuring the safety of people performing these tasks.
If you would like to have the best results, consider these steps:
ABSTAIN FROM DRINKING AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST
Not drinking at least a full day before the screening will increase the chances of a negative test. Bodies metabolize alcohol differently, so give yours enough time to expel the alcohol before taking the test.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Staying hydrated has excellent benefits to your health, so why should it be any different when it comes to urine screening? Water will help you metabolize and expel alcohol faster. It will also help dilute the alcohol content in your urine, increasing your chances of a negative test.
EAT WHILE DRINKING
If you are going to have a drink close to the time of your urine screening, make sure that you don’t do it on an empty stomach. Have a full, nutritious meal with your drinks. The alcohol will leave your body sooner, and you will be more likely to test negative.
MAKE SURE TO PEE BEFORE YOUR TEST
Since your body will be working all night to metabolize and expel alcohol from your body, in the morning, the concentration of alcohol in your urine will be at its highest.
Taking a pee (or two) before facing the final urine screening is vital. Drink plenty of water and try to expel as much of the urine as you can before the test.
Sources
1. Reasons for testing: Random drug testing https://blog.employersolutions.com/reasons-for-testing-random-drug-testing/
2. Alcohol Metabolism https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa72/aa72.htm
3. Facts About Aging and Alcohol https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/facts-about-aging-and-alcohol
