The Body's Process for Eliminating Alcohol
When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream primarily through the stomach and small intestine [1.2.3]. From there, it travels to the body's organs, including the liver, which is the primary site for alcohol metabolism [1.2.3, 1.3.2]. The liver contains enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), that break down ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound [1.2.8]. Another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), then converts acetaldehyde into a less harmful substance called acetate, which is eventually broken down into carbon dioxide and water [1.2.8, 1.3.8].
Over 90% of the alcohol consumed is eliminated by the liver at a constant rate, roughly equivalent to one standard drink per hour [1.3.6, 1.2.1]. The remaining portion, typically between 2% and 10%, is excreted unchanged through other means [1.3.5, 1.3.6].
Excretion vs. Metabolism
It's crucial to understand the difference between excretion and metabolism.
- Metabolism: This is the chemical process where the liver breaks down alcohol into other substances [1.2.8]. This accounts for the overwhelming majority of alcohol elimination.
- Excretion: This refers to the removal of unmetabolized alcohol from the body. A small amount of alcohol is volatile and can be expelled directly [1.2.3]. This happens via three main routes:
- Breath: Alcohol in the bloodstream diffuses into the air in the lungs and is exhaled. This is the principle behind breathalyzer tests [1.2.3].
- Urine: The kidneys filter alcohol from the blood, which is then passed out of the body in urine [1.3.8].
- Sweat: A minor amount of alcohol is released through sweat glands [1.3.8].
The Role of Sweat in Alcohol Elimination
So, does alcohol come out in your sweat? Yes, but only in very small amounts [1.4.1]. Typically, less than 10% of alcohol is eliminated through sweat, breath, and urine combined [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. The amount excreted specifically through sweat is even smaller, often cited as part of a 2-5% total for all three excretion methods [1.3.5, 1.4.5]. This is because about 1% of consumed alcohol is lost through the skin as a gas [1.7.5].
When a person drinks, their blood vessels can dilate, making the skin feel warm and triggering sweat glands [1.4.8]. The body metabolizes alcohol into acetate, which can have a distinct sweet or sour odor when released through sweat [1.6.1, 1.6.2]. This can contribute to a noticeable body odor after drinking [1.6.4]. However, this sweating is a side effect of alcohol consumption and not an effective mechanism for removing it from the system [1.4.1].
The Myth of "Sweating It Out"
Many believe that intense exercise or sitting in a sauna can help "sweat out" alcohol and sober them up faster. This is a common myth [1.4.1]. Because such a minuscule amount of alcohol is released through sweat, these activities have a negligible effect on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) [1.5.1].
In fact, trying to sweat out alcohol can be counterproductive and even dangerous:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes increased urine production and fluid loss [1.4.3]. Vigorous exercise or a sauna session exacerbates this dehydration, which can worsen hangover symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue [1.4.3, 1.4.8].
- Increased Strain: Both alcohol and intense heat put stress on the cardiovascular system. Combining them can increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or heart strain [1.4.2].
- No Impact on BAC: The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fixed rate (approximately 0.015% per hour) [1.5.2]. Nothing—not coffee, cold showers, or sweating—can speed up this process [1.5.3, 1.5.7]. The only thing that lowers BAC is time [1.2.1].
| Elimination Method | Percentage of Alcohol Removed | Controllable? |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Metabolism | >90% [1.3.6, 1.3.7] | No (rate is constant) [1.2.1] |
| Excretion (Urine) | Part of the 2-10% total [1.3.8] | No (a natural process) |
| Excretion (Breath) | Part of the 2-10% total [1.3.8] | No (a natural process) |
| Excretion (Sweat) | Part of the 2-10% total [1.3.8] | No (amount is negligible) [1.5.1] |
Transdermal Alcohol Monitoring
While you can't meaningfully sweat out alcohol, the fact that it is released through the skin is the basis for transdermal alcohol monitoring technology [1.7.2]. Devices like the SCRAM CAM® bracelet are worn on the skin (often the ankle) and continuously sample insensible perspiration (the sweat you don't see) to detect the presence of alcohol [1.7.5, 1.7.6]. These devices measure the Transdermal Alcohol Concentration (TAC), which correlates with BAC, providing a way to monitor for alcohol consumption over time [1.7.5]. This technology is used in legal and clinical settings to ensure abstinence [1.7.1].
Conclusion
While a tiny fraction of alcohol does exit the body through sweat, it is not nearly enough to have any impact on your level of intoxication or the speed of sobering up. The liver does the heavy lifting, metabolizing more than 90% of alcohol consumed at a pace that cannot be rushed [1.3.2, 1.3.6]. Attempting to "sweat it out" is an ineffective myth that can lead to dehydration and worsen hangover symptoms [1.4.3]. The only effective way to sober up is to give your liver enough time to do its job.
For more information on alcohol metabolism, you can visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
