The Dangers of Blackout Drinking

There are more consequences of blackout drinking than waking up and feeling embarrassed.

An article by Dr. Aaron White (2004) describes alcohol-induced memory impairments as the inability to form new memories while the brain is intoxicated. This results in the experience of not remembering what happened the night before.

Many people have been told of shocking things that occurred during a night of drinking. Sometimes, people do things in the midst of blackout drinking that they would never dream of doing sober. Other times, those in the throes of addiction welcome blackouts. Living in a constant state of suspended reality can be comforting to people who are stuck in the vicious cycle of addiction.

One thing that can occur during blackout drinking is that you decide to get behind the wheel of a car or other vehicle.

Sometimes, we think we are “fine” to drive, but in reality, we are most definitely not. Overconsumption to the point of blacking out can lead to criminal problems like DWIs, public intoxication charges, and sometimes much worse.

Everyone needs to be aware of the dangers of blackout drinking, especially when they are around untrustworthy people. Blackout drinking can lead to becoming incapacitated or committing an act you wouldn’t normally do. Some people can get physically harmed or can be taken advantage of by others. Blackout episodes during drinking represent episodes of amnesia. Waking up not remembering where you are or what happened the night before can be signs of blackout drinking.

Blackout drinking can also create holes in your memory where bits and pieces slowly come back over time–or not at all.

The dangers of blackout drinking can result in legal, physical, and definitely psychological problems. It’s important to ask yourself if your drinking is just heavy or if it has reached the point where professional help is necessary.