Local Rehab Publishes Blog on Blacking Out

Georgetown, DE - SUN Behavioral Health Delaware has published a blog on blacking out when drinking alcohol. These blackouts are temporary lapses in memory caused by binge drinking. Binge drinking is when someone has more than 5 drinks in one sitting. Some experience them more often than others, while others never experience any at all. There are several reasons why someone might have one, including a person’s size, drinking speed, gender, and use of other medications or substances. A person’s liver health, metabolism, and alcohol tolerance can also be factors at play.

“Alcohol affects many areas of the body, including the brain. The hippocampus, or the part of the brain responsible for memory, is particularly sensitive to binge drinking. When enough alcohol is ingested, the brain becomes incapable of forming new memories. It’s almost as if the hippocampus becomes tired and goes to sleep,” the blog post states.

Several consequences can happen when a person experiences a black out. Often, they are unaware of how inebriated they are, which can result in someone drinking more alcohol. Their inhibitions and judgment are low, which can cause them to drink more, putting them at risk for alcohol poisoning. They are more likely to be put in danger both physically and sexually. By the time morning comes, they don’t remember what happened. They might also be more prone to choking, or if they experience blackouts more regularly, they might be at risk of Alzheimer’s or other brain conditions.

Blackouts are not necessarily a sign that someone has an alcohol use disorder. Especially if they only experience one or two. However, if they happen more often, it could indicate alcohol use disorder. Several dangers can also occur during binge drinking besides blackouts. One of those causes includes lowered inhibitions. Those can lead to injuries and an overdose. Others experience flawed decision-making. Long-term binge drinking may lead to “wet brain.” Binge drinking and blacking out can harm a person’s life at work, home, or in relationships.

“Many people know when it’s time to stop drinking. They start to feel lightheaded or tired and they know they’re becoming inebriated, so they decide to stop. But for others, there is no ‘signal’ that tells them to stop drinking. They continue to drink regularly, even when they’re aware of the mental and physical toll it’s taking on their body. If this reminds you of yourself or someone you love, you’re not alone,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Delaware helps solve the unmet needs of Georgetown, DE. This includes offering an intensive outpatient program for adults on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 PM to 9 PM. This program works well for adults who cannot attend treatment during the day. They also offer a 24/7 crisis care system that admits people at any time during the day or night because they understand that a crisis usually doesn’t happen when it is most convenient. Many people seek treatment when other facilities are closed, but by morning, they have changed their minds about getting treatment. They also offer a no-cost care assessment that allows people to be assessed by a representative who can answer any questions before they pay a bill.

For more information about SUN Behavioral Health Delaware treatment options, visit their website or call them at 302-604-5600.