Arielle Cruz
Blacking out from alcohol is a temporary condition that affects your memory. It is a period of alcohol-induced amnesia during which an intoxicated person actively engages in behaviours such as walking or talking but does not remember doing so. Blackouts are caused by drinking high quantities of alcohol, which leads to an impairment in the way the brain transfers memories from short- to long-term memory. This is due to the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory formation, being unable to function properly when a person is intoxicated. Blackouts can lead to severe consequences, including physical injuries, driving under the influence, and adverse health conditions. It is important to note that blacking out is different from passing out, as the person is fully conscious during a blackout. Abstaining from alcohol or drinking in moderation is the best way to prevent blackouts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A period of alcohol-induced amnesia during which an intoxicated person actively engages in behaviors like walking or talking but doesn’t remember doing so |
| Cause | A rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, resulting in a temporary loss of memory |
| BAC level | Usually occurs when BAC reaches around 0.14% to 0.16%, almost twice the legal limit for driving |
| Risk factors | Gender (women are at higher risk than men), drinking on an empty stomach, binge drinking, drinking quickly, medications (e.g., sleep and anxiety), body weight, body composition, and physiology |
| Types | Partial or fragmentary blackout, complete or en bloc blackout |
| Symptoms | Frequent forgetfulness, rapid repetition of statements, high-risk behaviors, disorientation, impaired memory of events, confusion, and a sense of lost time |
| Prevention | Drink in moderation, abstain from alcohol, avoid mixing alcohol with other substances, eat before drinking, set drinking limits, count drinks |
| Treatment | Support from family and friends, treatment facilities for detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, sober living |
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What You'll Learn
What is a blackout?
Blackouts are a temporary condition caused by a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, resulting in a period of alcohol-induced amnesia. During a blackout, an intoxicated person can actively engage in behaviours like walking, talking, eating, driving, having sex, and getting into fights, but they won't be able to remember doing so. It's important to distinguish blacking out from passing out, as the former involves a person being fully conscious and awake, while the latter refers to a temporary loss of consciousness.
Blackouts are characterised by a sense of lost time and impaired memory of events that occurred while intoxicated. This occurs when alcohol disrupts the brain's ability to transfer memories from short-term to long-term storage, a process known as memory consolidation. The hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory formation, is particularly affected by alcohol, as it cannot develop long-term alcohol tolerance. As a result, the hippocampus shuts down during a blackout, preventing the formation of new memories.
There are two main types of blackouts: partial or fragmentary blackouts and complete or en bloc blackouts. Fragmentary blackouts involve partial memory loss, where individuals may be able to recall certain events with the right cues. On the other hand, en bloc blackouts result in complete amnesia, with no recollection of events until the BAC lowers and memory processing returns. The severity of amnesia experienced during a blackout can vary, and it may be challenging for others to recognise if a person is in a blackout state.
Anyone who consumes large amounts of alcohol is at risk of experiencing blackouts, regardless of their age or drinking history. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of blackouts, such as drinking on an empty stomach, drinking quickly, binge drinking, and physiological differences between individuals, especially between men and women. Women tend to have higher peak BAC levels with each drink and reach these levels more quickly, making them more susceptible to blackouts.
The effects of blackouts can be dangerous, leading to physical injuries, driving under the influence (DUI), and adverse health conditions. Additionally, blackouts can make individuals more susceptible to injury and can cause them to choke on their vomit due to impaired reflex control. To prevent blackouts, it is crucial to drink in moderation, avoid mixing alcohol with other substances, and understand individual triggers and limits. Abstaining from alcohol is the most effective way to avoid blackouts and ensure overall health and well-being.
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What causes a blackout?
A blackout is a temporary condition that affects your memory. It is caused by a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, which disrupts the brain's ability to form new memories. This can occur when a person's BAC reaches 0.14% to 0.16% or higher, which is almost twice the legal limit. During a blackout, a person is still conscious and able to function normally, but they will be unable to form new memories. This means that they may engage in complex behaviours such as walking, talking, driving, or even having unprotected sex, but they will not remember these actions the next day.
There are two main types of blackouts: partial or fragmentary blackouts and complete or en bloc blackouts. Fragmentary blackouts are more common and occur when memory formation is partially blocked, resulting in gaps in memory. Individuals may be able to recall partial memories with effort and prompting, but it can be difficult to establish a timeline due to missing information. Complete blackouts, on the other hand, involve total memory loss of events until the BAC lowers and memory processing returns.
Several factors can increase the risk of experiencing a blackout. These include drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period, also known as binge drinking, drinking on an empty stomach, and gender. Women are at a higher risk of blacking out than men due to physiological differences such as lower body weight, lower water content in the body, and lower levels of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) that metabolises alcohol. Additionally, taking certain medications, such as sleep and anxiety medications, can further increase the risk of blackouts.
The effects of blackouts can vary, but they often lead to impaired memory of events that occurred during intoxication. Blackouts can also increase the risk of injuries, adverse health conditions, and engaging in high-risk behaviours. It is important to note that experiencing a blackout can be a reason for concern and may indicate a problematic relationship with alcohol. Seeking professional help and understanding how blackouts occur can help individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
While the specific chemical mechanisms behind blackouts are not yet fully understood, researchers have identified the hippocampus as a critical region involved in memory formation and vulnerability to alcohol-induced amnesia. The hippocampus is responsible for receiving and storing information, but when exposed to high levels of alcohol, this process is disrupted, resulting in an inability to form new memories. This impairment in memory transfer from short-term to long-term storage is a key factor in the occurrence of blackouts.
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Who is at risk?
While anyone who consumes alcohol is at risk of blacking out, certain groups are more susceptible than others.
Women
Women are at a higher risk of blacking out than men due to physiological differences. Women's bodies have lower body water levels, which means that alcohol is less diluted in their systems. They also have lower body weights and higher body fat percentages, which affect alcohol distribution and metabolism. Additionally, women's hormones and body composition mean they become intoxicated with less alcohol than men. This is why the definition of binge drinking differs between the two genders.
College-aged youth
College-aged youth are at an increased risk of blackouts due to the binge-drinking culture prevalent on college campuses and universities. A 2019 study by Duke University found that 75% of college students are current drinkers, and many binge drink at least once a week. With such high levels of excessive drinking, a significant percentage of college students are likely to experience blackouts.
Middle-aged males with alcoholism
Most reports indicate that middle-aged males with alcoholism are more likely to black out. This may be due to their higher alcohol consumption and the cumulative effects of long-term alcohol abuse.
Adolescents and young adults
Adolescents and young adults are at risk of blackouts primarily due to their inexperience with alcohol. They may overestimate their ability to handle alcohol and underestimate its effects, leading to excessive drinking and an increased risk of blackouts.
Other factors
In addition to demographic factors, certain behaviours and individual characteristics can increase the risk of blacking out. Consuming large amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach, mixing alcohol with medications or drugs, and participating in rapid drinking activities can all contribute to a higher risk of blackouts.
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Signs of a blackout
Blackouts are a temporary condition that affects your memory. They are caused by a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, resulting in a temporary loss of memory. People normally experience a blackout when their BAC reaches around .14%, or .14 (point one four)—almost twice the legal limit.
There are two types of blackouts: partial and complete. A partial blackout, also known as a "fragmentary" or "brownout" blackout, involves gaps in your memory combined with some recollection of events. A complete blackout, also known as an "en bloc" blackout, involves total memory loss of events until the body's BAC lowers and memory processing returns. Memory cannot be recalled under any circumstances.
- Frequent forgetfulness, even of events that happened within the last 30 minutes
- Rapid repetition of similar statements without recognition
- High-risk behaviours that are uncommon for the individual
- Disorientation, such as not knowing where they are or how they got there
- Difficulty concentrating or keeping track of a conversation
It is important to note that blacking out is different from passing out. A person who is blacked out is fully conscious and can still function normally. They may seem articulate and be able to eat, walk, hold conversations, drive, and engage in other complex behaviours. However, they will be unable to form new memories during this time.
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What to do after a blackout
Blacking out from alcohol is a dangerous condition that can put both the drinker and those around them at risk. It is a period of alcohol-induced amnesia during which an intoxicated person actively engages in behaviours like walking or talking but doesn't remember doing so. It is important to note that blacking out is different from passing out, as the person is fully conscious when blacked out.
Ensure Safety
The first step is to ensure the safety of the person who has blacked out. Move them away from potentially dangerous situations, such as driving, operating machinery, or being in a crowded place where they could get lost or injured. If the person is in a vulnerable state, protect them from potential assault or theft.
Monitor Breathing and Vital Signs
Check the person's breathing and vital signs to ensure they are stable. Alcohol poisoning can lead to respiratory depression, so it is important to monitor their breathing and be prepared to call for emergency medical assistance if needed.
Hydration and Rest
Offer the person water to rehydrate, as alcohol can dehydrate the body. Assist them in finding a comfortable and safe place to rest, preferably with someone to monitor them.
Seek Medical Attention
If the person is injured, unconscious, or experiencing severe symptoms such as seizures or difficulty breathing, call for emergency medical help immediately. Do not leave them alone, and provide as much information as possible about the amount and type of alcohol consumed, any medications they are taking, and any other relevant details.
Reflect and Seek Help
After the immediate dangers have passed, take time to reflect on the severity of the situation. Blackouts can be a sign of problematic drinking, and it may be beneficial to seek professional help to develop healthier drinking habits or consider abstaining from alcohol altogether. Support groups, therapy, or treatment centres can provide valuable assistance in managing alcohol consumption and preventing future blackouts.
Remember, it is important to understand that blackouts can have serious consequences and are not a normal part of drinking culture. Taking steps to prevent blackouts, such as drinking in moderation, eating before drinking, and avoiding rapid alcohol consumption, is crucial for maintaining your health and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Blacking out from alcohol is a period of alcohol-induced amnesia during which an intoxicated person actively engages in behaviours like walking or talking but doesn't remember doing so. It is caused by a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, resulting in a temporary loss of memory.
Blacking out from alcohol can lead to a number of severe consequences including physical injuries, driving under the influence (DUI), and adverse health conditions. A person who has blacked out could also throw up while sleeping due to the loss of reflex control, which could cause them to choke and suffocate on their vomit.
The best way to prevent blacking out from alcohol is to drink in moderation or abstain from drinking alcohol altogether. It is also recommended to eat a meal before drinking to reduce the risk of a rapid increase in BAC levels.
