Blackout Drinking: Causes, Risks, and How to Get Help

What Is Blackout Drinking?

Blackout drinking, also known as an alcohol blackout, happens when a person drinks so much alcohol that their brain temporarily loses the ability to form new memories. During a blackout, the brain’s hippocampus—the area responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones—becomes impaired. This means even though the person appears awake and can interact normally, they are unable to create lasting memories of what they experience.

This differs from passing out or losing consciousness. In blackouts, the person may seem alert and engaged but will have little or no recollection of events afterward. This can be extremely dangerous because they may engage in risky or harmful behaviors without remembering any of it.

Types of Blackouts

There are mainly two types of alcohol blackouts:

1. En Bloc Blackouts

This is a total blackout where the individual cannot remember any details of events that occurred while intoxicated, even with reminders or prompts. These blackouts usually occur when blood alcohol levels rise rapidly to a high level, severely disrupting memory encoding in the brain. The memory gap can last from minutes to hours, and people have no awareness that a blackout happened until later.

2. Fragmentary Blackouts (also called “Brownouts”)

Fragmentary blackouts involve partial memory loss. People may forget some parts of events but can recall other details, especially when reminded or triggered by cues. These are more common than en bloc blackouts and can happen at lower blood alcohol levels. Fragmentary blackouts still signal serious alcohol misuse and increase the risk of harm.

Both types of blackouts are warning signs of risky drinking behavior that can escalate into more severe alcohol use problems.

Causes of Blackout Drinking

The main cause of blackout drinking is consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, especially when done quickly. When blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises too fast, it interferes with the brain’s ability to form new memories.

Common triggers include:

• Binge Drinking: Drinking large quantities in a short time frame (e.g., 4 or more drinks for women, 5 or more for men within 2 hours) leads to rapid BAC spikes.
• Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Without food, alcohol is absorbed faster into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of blackout.
• Young Age: Younger adults and teens are more susceptible because their brains are still developing and their tolerance may be lower.
• Family History: Genetics can influence how one metabolizes alcohol and their risk for abuse and blackouts.
• Mixing Alcohol with Other Substances: Combining alcohol with drugs or medications can intensify effects and increase blackout risk.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that some people may experience blackouts at lower BACs depending on individual tolerance and drinking patterns.

The Role of Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BACs)

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measures the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. BAC levels directly affect brain function, including memory formation.

• A BAC of 0.08% is the legal limit for driving in many places but can already impair judgment and coordination.
• At or above 0.15%, the likelihood of blackouts increases dramatically because alcohol disrupts the hippocampus’s function.
• Rapid drinking and mixing different types of alcoholic beverages increase BAC faster.

Understanding BAC is important because it helps explain why pace and quantity of drinking matter as much as what type of alcohol you consume.

Effects of Blackout Drinking

The effects of blackout drinking reach beyond just missing memories. Some short-term effects include:

• Increased risk of accidents, injuries, and risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or drunk driving
• Relationship problems and legal trouble
• Physical harm from falls or fights

Long-term effects can be severe:

• Persistent memory problems or brain damage
• Increased risk for chronic alcohol abuse and alcoholism
• Potential development of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety

Repeated blackouts signal dangerous patterns of drinking and can seriously harm your brain and body.

What To Do If You Witness a Blackout?

If you see someone experiencing a blackout, your priority should be their safety:

• Stay with the person and monitor their breathing and responsiveness closely.
• Stop them from doing anything dangerous like driving, swimming, or walking alone.
• Encourage hydration but avoid forcing fluids if they are vomiting or unconscious.
• If the person shows signs of alcohol poisoning—such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or unresponsiveness—call emergency services immediately.
• Once stabilized, gently talk to them about what happened after they sober up and encourage them to seek help if blackouts recur.

How to Stop Blackout Drinking?

If you want to stop drinking to the point of blackouts, here are some tips that can help:

• Set limits for how much you’ll drink
• Eat before and during drinking
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic options
• Learn to say no in social settings where binge drinking is common
• Avoid drinking games and peer pressure situations
• Be mindful of how quickly you’re consuming alcohol

For many, though, simply cutting back isn’t enough. If blackout drinking has become a pattern, it may be a sign of a deeper problem like alcohol use disorder, and professional help is needed.

Help for Alcohol Addiction

Getting help for alcohol addiction is a key step toward breaking free from blackout drinking. There are many treatment options available, including:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs that provide structure and support
• Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for community and encouragement
• Therapy to address underlying issues related to alcohol use
• Medical detox programs to manage withdrawal symptoms safely

There are local facilities offering treatment programs specifically designed to address blackout drinking and alcohol abuse. These programs can also help family members understand their role in recovery and provide much-needed support.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Blackout drinking is often just one symptom of broader alcohol problems. Other signs include:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit
• Developing tolerance, needing more to get the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking
• Neglecting responsibilities or activities in favor of drinking
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences

Recognizing these signs early can help you or a loved one get the help needed to prevent serious harm.

Ending Blackout Drinking: Your Path to a Safer Life

Blackout drinking is a serious warning sign about the harmful effects of alcohol on your brain and life. By understanding what blackout drinking is, recognizing the causes of blackout drinking, knowing the effects of blackout drinking, and learning how to stop blackout drinking, you can take important steps toward a healthier future.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with excessive alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse and alcoholism, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Through therapy, support groups, and comprehensive treatment programs, recovery is within reach.

For those in Arizona, Scottsdale Detox offers specialized care tailored to help individuals safely overcome alcohol addiction and blackout drinking. Call us today at (480) 646-7660 or email us at contact@scottsdaleazdetox.com to take the first step toward a safer, sober life.

Together, we can reduce the dangers of blackout drinking and build a life free from the risks and consequences of alcohol blackouts.