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Blackouts
What are they all about?
What is a blackout?
A blackout is an experience where you lose the use of your long term memory for a time. So, when you wake up from a blackout you can't remember what happened during the blackout period. Blackouts are different from fainting or passing out, as during the blackout you are perfectly conscious, and in some cases can be acting totally normal. En bloc blackouts are blackouts where you can't remember anything from the blackout, even when reminded by others. Fragmentary blackouts are blackouts where you can remember bits and pieces of the blackout period. These blackouts are also marked by things like forgetting peoples' names during the blackout.
What causes it?
Blackouts are often caused by alcohol or drugs. Blackouts are not dependent on dose either; with some people reporting blackouts after only a small amount of alcohol or drugs. However, it appears that drinking quickly or large amounts over short periods is more likely to lead to a blackout than the exact same amount of alcohol drunk over a longer period.
Blackouts can also be caused by medical conditions, such as low blood sugar.
What does it feel like?
At the time of the blackout you may feel normal. You may act normal, though often people around you will say that you are ‘not yourself’.
Are there any long term effects?
One of the main problems with blackouts is that during one you are more likely to take part in high risk activities. These include things like drink driving, having sex without protection, getting into fights or vandalising property.
How to get help if you need it:
If you feel you have a problem with alcohol, click here.
If you feel you have a problem with drugs, click here.
