How long does it take on average to cancel the effects of a 4 ounce glass of wine, a 12 ounce beer, or a shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol?

The average time it takes to cancel out the effects of alcohol in the body is approximately one hour per standard drink. A standard drink is generally considered to be a 4-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits, all of which contain about the same amount of pure alcohol.

Once alcohol is consumed, the body begins to metabolize it at a fairly consistent rate. On average, the human liver can process about one standard drink per hour. This means that if you consume one of these standard drinks, it typically takes about an hour for your body to eliminate its effects completely.

Understanding this concept is essential, particularly in terms of safe driving and avoiding overconsumption, as impairment can last even after the alcohol has been metabolized, depending on various factors like tolerance, body weight, and other individual differences.