Blackout Drinking: Why Is It So Dangerous? - Westwind Recovery

Blacking out from drinking is so dangerous for several reasons, mainly related to the significant impairment of the brain’s ability to function normally. When someone experiences a blackout, they are undergoing a form of amnesia during which the brain is unable to form new memories. This state of anterograde amnesia happens because excessive alcohol intake inhibits the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for creating and storing memories.

Blackout drunk describes memory loss from heavy alcohol intake. Excessive drinking inhibits the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, preventing events during intoxication from moving from short-term to long-term storage, resulting in ‘blackouts’. This can be dangerous because the person does not know what they are doing and could hurt themselves or someone else.

There are many symptoms of an alcoholic blackout including slurred speech, stumbling, loss of balance, and vomiting. If you think you or someone you know is blackout drunk, it is important to get help immediately. Treatment for a drunk blackout usually includes therapy and support groups.

California sees the nation’s highest number of alcohol-related deaths but has a low rate of underage drinking. 11,026 annual deaths were attributable to excessive alcohol use. 71.2% of these deaths are male. 60.0% of deaths are due to chronic causes, such as Alcohol Use Disorder.

What Happens When You Blackout From Drinking?

When someone blacks out from drinking, they may appear to be awake and alert, but often will not be able to remember what happened during that night out. Witnessing someone you know blackout drunk can be frightening. They may seem like a completely different person. Blackouts can last for a few hours or even days.

A blackout is different from passing out. When someone passes out, they become unconscious and cannot be awakened. During a blackout, a person remains conscious but cannot remember what happened.

What Causes Someone to Blackout?

Alcohol prevents the brain from forming memories by interfering with an important brain chemical called glutamate. Glutamate helps the brain form long-term memories. How quickly alcohol is consumed plays a role in whether or not someone will blackout. Drinking hard liquor on an empty stomach can also lead to blackout drinking.

How Does Being a Blackout Drunk Affect the Brain?

When a person drinks too much alcohol, it can cause the brain to become severely dehydrated. This can lead to cell death and damage to the brain. Therefore, being a blackout drunk can also cause changes in the way the brain processes information and can lead to memory problems.

How Do I Know If I Am Blackout Drunk?

Several signs may indicate that a person is blackout drunk. These include:

• Inability to remember what happened while drinking
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Irrational or aggressive behavior
• Inability to stand or walk
• Slurred speech
• Nausea or vomiting

What Are the Different Types of Blackouts?

There are two types of blackouts that can occur from drinking too much alcohol. These are