Arielle Cruz
Alcohol-induced blackouts are a dangerous phenomenon where 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. Blackouts are surprisingly common, especially among younger drinkers, and can lead to serious health risks such as alcohol poisoning and nerve damage. If someone blacks out from alcohol, it is important to get them to a safe place where they can rest and recover. It may also be necessary to seek medical help or reach out for support in treating alcohol addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a blackout | A period of amnesia during which an intoxicated person actively engages in behaviors like walking or talking but doesn’t remember doing so |
| What causes a blackout | A rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, resulting in a temporary loss of memory |
| How to prevent a blackout | Never drink on an empty stomach, don't mix alcohol with medication or drugs, opt for beer or wine, drink at a measured pace, drink water regularly, avoid games or activities that are designed for rapid drinking |
| What to do if someone is blacked out | Get them to a safe place where they won’t be able to drink more and can rest, take them to an emergency room for immediate treatment or call 911 if necessary |
| What to do when someone comes around from a blackout | Treat the hangover with water, food and pain medication, help them figure out what happened, talk about getting help and consider limits for the future |
| When to seek help | If blackouts are frequent, it may be a sign of alcohol addiction and it may be time to reach out for help |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising the signs of a blackout
Blackouts are surprisingly common, especially among younger drinkers. Adolescents and young adults are more likely to binge drink, and when they do, they drink more alcohol per binge and drink quickly. Binge drinking is defined as drinking four or more alcoholic beverages within two hours for men, or three or more drinks in that same time period for women.
Blackouts 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 0.14% to 0.16%, which is almost twice the legal limit. A blackout 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. They may seem like a completely different person.
During a blackout, a person can move around, interact with others, and seem fine to those around them. However, blackouts are often associated with a change in behaviour. For example, a person who is normally shy may become more outgoing, or a person who doesn't normally curse may start using profanity. They may also experience other symptoms such as slurred speech, stumbling, loss of balance, and vomiting.
It can be difficult to determine if someone is experiencing a blackout as they may be able to engage in regular activities such as conversing, eating, or continuing to drink. Memories from before the alcohol intoxication level reaches a blackout state are usually not fully affected, and the person may have partial recollection of events during the drinking period that can be recovered when triggered with certain cues.
If you think someone is experiencing a blackout, the best thing to do is to get them to a safe place where they won't be able to drink more and can rest in case they pass out. Take them to an emergency room for immediate treatment or call for emergency help if you notice other signs of extreme intoxication.
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Preventative measures
While abstaining from alcohol is the best way to prevent blackouts and ensure overall health and well-being, there are several other preventative measures one can take to avoid blacking out from alcohol consumption.
Firstly, it is important to eat before or during drinking, as this helps slow the absorption of alcohol into the system and prevents a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. Drinking on an empty stomach can quickly raise BAC to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of a blackout.
Secondly, pacing oneself is crucial. Drinking too much alcohol in a short period can lead to blackouts. It is recommended to have one drink every hour or so, allowing the body to process the alcohol effectively. Sipping drinks slowly and taking breaks between drinks can help prevent drinking large amounts in a short time, which is a common cause of blackouts.
Thirdly, opting for drinks with lower alcohol content, such as beer or wine, instead of hard liquor or shots, can reduce the risk of blackouts. Mixing alcohol with other substances, such as medication or drugs, should also be avoided as it can increase the risk of intoxication and blackouts.
Additionally, drinking enough water regularly can help dilute the alcohol in the system. It is also important to be mindful of games or activities that encourage rapid drinking and to have check-ins with friends to ensure everyone is safe.
Finally, it is worth noting that blackouts are often associated with binge drinking and are more common among younger drinkers. Being aware of one's drinking patterns and setting limits can help prevent frequent blackouts and reduce the risk of developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
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Immediate actions to take
If someone blacks out from alcohol, it is important to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to take if you find yourself in such a situation:
Get them to a safe place:
Remove the person from the immediate environment and take them to a quiet, comfortable, and safe location where they can rest and recover. Ensure they are away from any potential hazards or triggers that could cause harm. If they are in a social setting, excuse them and take them to a quieter area.
Monitor their breathing and vital signs:
Keep a close eye on their breathing and vital signs, such as pulse and body temperature. If their breathing becomes shallow or irregular, or if they show any other signs of distress, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Prevent further alcohol consumption:
Do not offer them any more alcohol and remove access to any alcoholic beverages in the vicinity. If they are conscious and able to communicate, explain to them that they have blacked out and need to refrain from drinking further.
Encourage hydration:
Offer them water or other non-alcoholic beverages to help dilute the alcohol in their system and prevent dehydration, which is a common consequence of alcohol consumption. Drinking water will also aid in their overall recovery and help alleviate potential hangover symptoms.
Seek medical attention if necessary:
If the person exhibits any signs of extreme intoxication, such as vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness, do not hesitate to call for emergency medical assistance. Alcohol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical intervention.
Remember, blacking out from alcohol can be a frightening and disorienting experience for both the affected individual and those around them. It is important to remain calm and supportive while taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being.
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Long-term effects and recovery
Blacking out from alcohol, even once, can have serious long-term effects on the brain, including the centres that form, store and retrieve new memories. This can cause degenerative problems and have lasting effects on the brain. Heavy drinking to the point of blacking out can cause nerve damage and shrinkage of the brain, similar to Alzheimer's disease, which is characterised by memory loss. Regular damage to the frontal lobe can impair behaviour and personality, the ability to perform tasks, and memory retention.
The long-term effects of blacking out are not fully understood, but they may cause the brain to be more susceptible to memory losses in the future. Research also indicates that a person who has experienced one blackout is more likely to have blackouts in the future. Studies have also shown that adolescents and young adults who frequently binge drink and experience blackouts are more likely to have long-term cognitive and memory problems later in life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, it may be time to reach out for help. Treatment facilities offer detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, sober living, and more. Abstaining from alcohol may be the best way to avoid blackouts and ensure your health and well-being.
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Seeking professional help
While blacking out from alcohol does not necessarily mean that someone has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is a cause for concern. If this is a common occurrence, it may be time to seek professional help to treat addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there are many resources available to help. Firstly, you can take a free alcohol abuse self-assessment. This is a confidential evaluation consisting of 11 yes-or-no questions intended to assess the severity and probability of an AUD.
Treatment facilities across the country offer detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and sober living options. You can also seek help from an online addiction and mental health counsellor. Treatment for alcohol abuse usually includes therapy and support groups.
To prevent blacking out, it is recommended to avoid drinking on an empty stomach, pace yourself by drinking one beverage every hour, opt for drinks with lower alcohol content, and drink water to dilute the alcohol.
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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.
If someone is showing signs of a blackout, get them to a safe place where they won't be able to drink more and can rest in case they pass out. Treat any hangover symptoms with water, food, and pain medication if necessary. If they are displaying signs of extreme intoxication, take them to an emergency room for immediate treatment.
To prevent blacking out, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, pace yourself by drinking slowly, opt for lower alcohol content beverages, and avoid mixing alcohol with other substances.
Yes, blackouts can be dangerous as the person may not be aware of their surroundings and could injure themselves or others. Additionally, frequent blackouts can indicate an alcohol addiction or dependency and can lead to long-term cognitive and memory problems.
