Local Rehab Explores Alcohol Blackouts in Blog

Columbus, OH - SUN Behavioral Health Columbus published a blog post that discussed what alcohol blackouts are and how they are different from passing out. When someone passes out, they are unconscious; however, that is not the case when it comes to blackouts. Blackouts occur when someone experiences impaired memory while drinking alcohol. The person experiencing them is conscious, but parts of their memory from their time drinking are missing. Usually, someone who is experiencing a blackout will not know until the next day when they try to remember what happened.

“There are two main types of blackouts, determined by the amount of memory lost from the experience. The first type, known as ‘fragmentary,’ involves spotty memories. This blackout type is the most common, as you have retained some of your memories from the event. You can still remember some things that occurred while drinking, but chunks of time are missing. For example, you might remember singing karaoke at the bar and stumbling into an apartment with a girl, but you don’t know what happened between those moments. You might not even remember what happened before or after those moments. This blackout type is sometimes called a ‘grayout’ or a ‘brownout’,’' the blog post states.

The second type of blackout, known as “en bloc,” involves a complete loss of memories. This type is the most severe, as memories are not formed or recovered. People who experience this type of blackout might have witnesses inform them of the events, but their memory sees those moments as ones that never occurred. They might hear of the events but have no ties to them.

Blackouts occur when one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) rises rapidly, which can happen when someone drinks on an empty stomach or participates in binge drinking. An increased BAC level can also result in people participating in more risky activities as their inhibitions lower. People are more likely to engage in unprotected sex or experience falls, drowning, violence, or car accidents. People who regularly experience blackouts over time may experience brain and liver damage.

People who experience blackouts every once in a while do not necessarily have an alcohol use disorder. However, if someone is experiencing blackouts regularly, it could indicate they have an alcohol use disorder, especially if they experience other symptoms of this disorder. Those symptoms could include intense cravings for alcohol, not being able to stop drinking despite wanting to, and giving up on hobbies they once enjoyed doing.

“You will likely not know if someone is experiencing a blackout until the following day. However, if you notice someone showing signs of intoxication, encouraging them to eat and drink water can limit their chances of a blackout. Also, leaving in pairs or groups can increase safety and limit blackouts. Watch their drink and make sure they take their glass with them if they leave the room. If they inform you that they have experienced a blackout the following day, help them try to piece together the events. If they were injured or assaulted, both physically or sexually, encourage them to seek medical attention immediately. If someone you care about frequently experiences blackouts, encourage them to seek treatment at an alcohol rehab,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs in their community. Janus Pharmacy is partnered with SUN Behavioral Health Columbus to ensure medication management continues after treatment. They also offer crisis care with 24/7 admission, allowing people to get help when a crisis comes.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs. For more information, visit their website or call them at 614-706-2786.