Alcohol Blackout: Symptoms, Dangers, and Treatment

Alcohol blackout occurs when a person has consumed alcohol so much that they are not unconscious and asleep, but end up having no memory of what transpired. This is not “forgetting a few details.” It is a detachment from memory creation where your brain ceases to recall events.

Blackouts can be very disturbing, and if you have ever experienced one, you are highly aware of this. Although you might not pass out, you will have an impaired ability to store short-term memories. Many people awaken after hardcore partying or binge drinking with blackouts.

Knowledge of a blackout alcohol episode, why it occurs, and its risks, can assist you or a loved one to make safer decisions and realize when you need to ask for help.

What Is an Alcohol Blackout?

Alcohol-induced blackouts are not the same thing as passing out. You are conscious in a blackout, and you might seem somewhat normal in front of others, but your brain is not storing permanent memories in an attempt to protect you.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), when the brain is overloaded with alcohol, the hippocampus will be attacked by the high level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the body, resulting in a blackout. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that records information in the short term and transfers it into long-term stores.

Types of Alcohol Iinduced Blackouts

1. Fragmentary blackouts (“grayouts”): You unconsciously remember elements later when reminded of what occurred.
2. En bloc blackouts: A blackout (complete memory loss) over a period. Even with cues, no memories return.

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Why Do Alcohol Blackouts Happen?

Blackouts, in turn, are correlated with the speed of increasing the level of alcohol in the blood. The higher your BAC rises, particularly after consuming alcohol on an empty stomach or taking a lot of alcohol within a given time frame, the higher the probability of a blackout.

Alcohol affects memory formation since it interrupts the communication system of the brain. You can appear normal to everyone; you can laugh, walk, and even drive, but your brain fails to store those activities in long-term memory.

Common Triggers of Alcohol Blackouts

1. Binge drinking (more than four drinks for women and five drinks for men within 2 hours)
2. Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach
3. Rapidly drinking excess alcohol without breaks
4. Drinking large amounts of alcohol rapidly
5. Low body weight or small frame
6. Being female (women often reach higher BAC levels faster)
7. Mixing alcohol with prescription sedatives or painkillers

The Risks of Blackout Drunk Episodes

The black out drunk experience may be hazardous to physical life as well as affect future health. During a blackout, you are not aware, and you might do risky things.

Possible consequences include the following.

1. Injury from falls, accidents, or fights
2. Unprotected sex or regretted sexual encounters
3. Driving under the influence without memory of doing so
4. Legal trouble from impaired judgment
5. Dangerous vomiting or choking if you become unconscious

The occurrence of even a single blackout is an indication that your brain is not facilitating its normal functioning due to the impacts of alcohol.

Case Insights & Educational Examples

(These examples are general and for educational purposes only. They do not represent real individuals or medical advice.)

Without Treatment

Mark, a 28-year-old professional, engaged in frequent binge drinking. It took a few episodes of becoming blackout drunk before facing any consequences. One morning when he woke up, he had no recollection of having driven home and instead woke up to a damaged car. His drinking got to the extent that his friendships and even his career were at stake.

With Treatment

Sarah noticed she often experienced blackouts after nights out. Being worried about her safety, she attended an alcohol detox and recovery program. She learned new, healthier coping mechanisms and her triggers, and was able to rebuild a sense of trust with family.

Expert Advice & Actionable Tips

(For educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed professional for personal guidance.)

1. Eat before and during drinking to slow BAC rise
2. Avoid binge drinking or rapidly consuming drinks
3. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soda
4. Drink a somewhat secure amount of drinks every hour
5. Do not use alcohol with sedatives or prescription medications unless approved by a doctor
6. Pay attention to how often you experience blackouts — track patterns
7. Seek professional help if blackouts are recurring

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and other quality health resources back up these pieces of advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Alcohol blackouts are not fun; they are a red flag that tells you the effects of alcohol are impairing your brain’s ability to store memories. It could happen due to binge drinking or drinking on an empty stomach, or taking large quantities of alcohol too fast, but the dangers are too severe to ignore.

When you are having blackouts, it’s time to really pay attention. The sooner you get it taken care of, the sooner you will be able to protect your short-term memories and save your long-term memories.

We Level Up Washington will help you and lead you to a new life free of blackouts and alcoholism.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.