Medically Reviewed:
Dr. Randy Gelow, MD, FASAM
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Blackout drinking is more than just having too much alcohol. Blackouts are serious but an often overlooked effect of excessive use of alcohol. Experiencing a blackout can be common during binge drinking. However, many people do not realize the dangers or how frequently blackout drinking can mean serious trouble.
What is blackout drinking? What causes it, and why are the risks too serious to ignore?
An alcohol blackout causes you to forget things for a while. You may appear conscious, able to walk, talk, or even drive. However, your brain fails to store memories. Thus, you cannot recall what happened. During a blackout when drinking alcohol, you can have partial to complete memory loss.
The hippocampus is essential for making and storing new memories. It is the main part of the brain affected during a blackout.
During blackout drinking, alcohol affects the hippocampus. It disrupts the brain’s ability to move information from short-term to long-term memory.
When blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises quickly, the brain cannot record these memories. This happens even if the person is awake and functioning.
The severity and frequency of blackouts can depend on many factors. These include genetics, drinking habits, and how sensitive the brain is to alcohol. Frequent blackouts may show lasting changes in the brain, especially in memory areas. They can also raise the risk of alcohol-related memory problems.
Other substances and medical conditions can also cause blackouts. This includes epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and some medications. These factors can impair the brain’s ability to form memories. Two types of blackouts exist:
When you drink too much, you may lose your memory. During a blackout, you might also take risks. This happens because your judgment and inhibitions are lowered.
High levels of intoxication prevent the brain’s ability to form new long-term memories. Understanding the signs, causes, and dangers of blackout drinking helps us see how it affects health and well-being.
Memory loss is the most obvious sign of blackout drinking. You might wake up and remember little about what happened the night before. This can happen even if you appear normal.
What happens when you blackout from drinking? Sometimes you may have fragmented blackouts. This means you can remember some actions, but not everything.
Another warning sign is taking risks. This includes driving dangerousl, arguing, or making strange choices. You might forget these actions the next day.
Often, it may be difficult to spot a blackout as the person may seem completely functional. However, signs may include:
Alcohol consumed quickly and in large quantities can cause a spike in a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The BAC affects the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming memories. During blackout drinking, your BAC rises quickly. This high level makes it hard for the brain to form new long-term memories.
People who drink often or too much have high blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, usually 0.16% or more. This puts them at a higher risk for frequent blackouts. Why do I blackout when I drink?
When alcohol floods the brain, it disrupts communication between neurons, especially those responsible for memory.
Blackouts themselves don’t typically cause physical harm. However, they are a sign of dangerous drinking patterns. Knowing the risks of blackout drinking can help people make better choices about their drinking. It can also encourage them to seek help if needed.
Blackout drinking, being drunk, and passing out are often used interchangeably. However, they are extremely different with varying risks and implications.
During blackout drinking, you are awake, talking, walking, and engaging with others. However, your brain is not recording new memories. Thus, you will forget what happened. Blackout drinking is a neurological effect caused by high blood alcohol levels affecting memory formation.
Being drunk is a state of alcohol intoxication. When you are drunk, you have slurred speech, poor coordination, lowered inhibitions, and slower reaction times. You may remember most or all of what happened. Drunkenness does not always cause blackouts or memory loss.
Passing out refers to a complete loss of consciousness due to alcohol overload. Unlike blackouts, when you pass out, you are not awake or responsive. Passing out is your body’s way of shutting down, often due to dangerously high blood alcohol levels. Passing out while consuming alcohol can be a sign of alcohol poisoning, which is a medical emergency.
Why do the differences between blackout drinking, being drunk, and passing out matter?
Understanding these differences helps you recognize warning signs—both in yourself and others—and act before things get worse.
It is crucial to understand the relationship between blackouts and the brain to highlight the importance of safe drinking practices and early intervention. If blackouts become frequent, they may signal a deeper neurological or substance use problem that warrants professional evaluation and support.
Recovering from blackout drinking involves more than just physical recovery after a night of heavy drinking. It requires addressing the underlying patterns and risks associated with excessive drinking. A blackout, which occurs when the brain is too impaired by alcohol to form new long-term memories, is a warning sign that alcohol use may be approaching dangerous levels.
The first step in recovery is managing the short-term effects. After a blackout, you will often wake up confused, anxious, or regret over actions you cannot remember. Hydration, rest, and proper nutrition can help your body physically recover. It is also helpful to talk with trusted friends to piece together what happened and assess whether anything serious occurred during the blackout.
Experiencing blackout drinking is a strong indicator of high-risk drinking behavior. It is essential to reflect on how much alcohol you consumed, under what circumstances, and how frequently you experience blackouts. Keeping a journal or using an alcohol tracking app can provide insights into patterns and triggers, such as peer pressure, emotional stress, or drinking on an empty stomach.
Recovery also involves making lifestyle changes to prevent future blackouts. This may include:
For many, especially those experiencing frequent blackouts, professional help is necessary. Speaking with a doctor, therapist, or addiction counselor can uncover deeper issues, such as alcohol dependence or underlying mental health conditions.
If blackouts have occurred repeatedly, a medical evaluation may be necessary to check for alcohol-related brain damage or cognitive impairment. Early intervention can prevent long-term consequences and help individuals regain control of their health and memory.
Recovering from blackout drinking is not just about avoiding hangover. It is about protecting your brain, relationships, and overall well-being. With awareness, support, and commitment, it is entirely possible to recover and build a safer, more mindful lifestyle.
If you are struggling from blackout drinking, know that help is available! Take the first step toward recovery today!
