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Blackouts
What are they all about?
What is a blackout?
A blackout is an experience where a person loses the use of their long term memory for a time. So, when they wake up from a blackout they cannot remember what happened during the blackout period. Blackouts are different from fainting or passing out, as during the blackout the person is perfectly conscious, and in some cases can be acting totally normal. En bloc blackouts are blackouts where the person cannot remember anything from the blackout even when reminded by others. Fragmentary blackouts are blackouts where the person can remember bits and pieces of the blackout period. These blackouts are also marked by things like forgetting people’s 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 when a diabetic’s blood sugar goes too low.
What does it feel like?
At the time of the blackout the person may feel normal. They may act normal, though often people around them say they are ‘not themselves’.
Are there any long term effects?
The problem with blackouts is that during blackouts people 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.
