Blackouts

Blackouts are phenomena unique to substance addictions.  When an addict experiences a blackout, he or she remembers only some (i.e., a fragmentary blackout) or none (i.e., an en bloc blackout) of what transpired during the period when he or she was under the influence.  Among health care providers, such events are deemed substance-induced memory impairments.  In many instances, the person may be able to describe when a complete (en bloc) blackout started, but the blackout often ends with the person falling asleep.  Blackouts clearly represent a danger for addicts because they may not be able to remember engaging in sexually risky activity, crime, or other dangerous, illegal, or embarrassing behaviors while under the influence.

How Blackouts Happen

Before blackouts can be understood, we must first have a foundation in the concept of memory.  The modal model posits three memory “types” that include sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.  The first type, sensory, has a duration of seconds; under certain though not completely understood conditions, events from sensory memory can be transferred into short-term memory.  In short-term memory, details are retained for a period of a few minutes at most.  It is the next transition – from short-term to long-term memory – that is most affected by substance use.  Scholars believe this to be the reason that people who will later be unable to recall the specifics of conversations and activities were able to actively participate in them at the time.

What Substances Cause Blackouts?

Alcoholics tend to experience blackouts with relative frequency; blackouts also seem to be a concerning problem on university campuses among students who participate in regular binge drinking for social purposes.  In addition to alcohol, benzodiazepines and marijuana have also been implicated in blackouts.

Are Some People More Prone to Blackouts Than Are Others?

Although any person who is abusing substances can have a blackout, some factors seem to increase a person’s risk.  Using the substance on a regular basis (like an addict would – as opposed to just occasionally) or taking multiple substances simultaneously might increase one’s chances.  Genetics also appear to be a contributing factor. In a study of people whose mothers had consumed alcohol while pregnant, the researchers found that in-utero alcohol exposure was correlated with increased likelihood of blackouts in the future.  Females may also have a higher risk, but it is unclear what factors (including enzyme, fat, weight, and metabolism differences) explain this.  Additionally, if a person has had blackouts in the past, his or her risk for future blackouts is elevated.  This may simply be the result of a circular process; in other words, past use could have caused damage that made memory recall more challenging.

What Can Be Done About Blackouts?

Blackouts can only be guaranteed to stop through abstinence.  If a relative or friend has frequently described what sounds like blackouts, you may want to discuss their substance use with them or, if you know the problem is serious (which blackouts usually suggest), arrange for a professional intervention and attempt to persuade the person to get help.