Why We Blackout From Drinking Alcohol
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To understand blackouts, it's essential to grasp memory formation. Memories go through three stages: sensory, short-term, and long-term memory. The hippocampus plays a key role in memory formation. Blackouts occur when alcohol temporarily hampers memory transfer from short-term to long-term storage in the hippocampus.
What ARE Blackouts?
Blackouts are caused by rapid increases in blood alcohol concentration (BAC). They come in two forms: fragmentary and en bloc. Fragmentary blackouts involve fuzzy memories, while en bloc blackouts result in the loss of hours. Alcohol slows neuron communication in the hippocampus, preventing proper memory encoding.
Research on blackouts began in the 1940s. Blackouts aren't indicative of alcoholism but suggest a risk. Factors like body weight, drinking speed, gender, and genetics influence blackouts. Women, with less alcohol dehydrogenase, are more prone to blackouts. Genetic links and family history play roles. Formal studies showed that different genders respond to family history of alcohol problems in varying ways.
Blackouts pose risks, from dangerous behaviors to sexual violence. A personal experience illustrates the consequences of blackouts. The emotional aftermath involves guilt, shame, and missed memories. The panic of not knowing one's actions creates deep shame.
Are Blackouts Dangerous?
Blackouts themselves aren't the primary danger; it's the excessive drinking and associated risky behaviors. They can lead to psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and prolonged shame. Understanding the science behind blackouts and their consequences can help individuals make informed choices about alcohol consumption.
Listen to episode 12 to learn more about alcohol and blacking out:
Cite this article:
Tietz, G. Why We Blackout From Drinking Alcohol. Sober Powered. 2023
Sources:
Marino EN, Fromme K. Alcohol-induced blackouts and maternal family history of problematic alcohol use. Addict Behav. 2015;45:201-206. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.01.043
