Substance Use

Blackout Drunk: What To Know

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Blackout Drunk: What To Know

If you or someone you know has experienced a blackout from heavy drinking, it’s essential to understand what that means and the risks. This blog post will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about blacking out from drinking alcohol.

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What Happens When You Blackout Drunk?

When you black out from drinking too much alcohol, your brain is unable to form new memories. This means if you’re talking to someone or doing something, you won’t remember it the next day.

Blackouts can be dangerous because you may do things you’re incapable of handling such as driving.

If you’re drinking and start to feel like you’re going to blackout, it’s important to stop drinking and tell someone what’s happening. They can ensure that you stay safe and don’t do anything that could put yourself or others in danger.

Remember, blacking out is not something to be taken lightly — it can be a sign of alcoholism and lead to serious consequences.

Young adults, like college students, are at risk of alcohol-induced blackouts because they often drink to excess.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of excess alcohol consumption, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need them. And don’t hesitate to call Zinnia Health alcohol abuse hotline at (855) 430-9439.

How Can You Tell if Someone is Blackout Drunk?

There are several signs that someone may be blackout drunk.

These include slurred speech, stumbling, and vomiting. When a person drinks large amounts of alcohol and appears unable to stand or walk without assistance, they are likely blackout drunk. Blackout drunk people may also have difficulty understanding what’s happening around them or answering questions coherently. They may appear confused and disoriented.

If you suspect someone is blackout drunk, it’s best to seek medical assistance immediately. Blackout drunks are at high risk for alcohol poisoning and other serious health problems.

The best way to stop a blackout when drunk is by not drinking any more alcohol and seeking medical help if needed. If possible, try to stay upright and awake until the symptoms pass. Some people may also experience seizures when they black out from drinking. If this happens, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately as seizures can be dangerous.

A grayout or brownout is when a person’s vision becomes impaired while still conscious. This can happen when a person drinks too much alcohol. If you see someone whose eyes are rolling back into their head or who is having trouble keeping their eyes open, they may be in a grayout or brownout.

If you’re with someone in a grayout, it’s important to ensure they’re safe. Don’t leave them alone, and don’t let them drive. Seek medical assistance if the person doesn’t improve after a few minutes.

Is It Normal to Get Blackout Drunk?

Alcoholism is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s possible to drink alcohol without becoming addicted, repeated misuse of alcohol can lead to dependence. When someone is dependent on alcohol, they develop a tolerance, meaning they need to drink more and more to achieve the same effects. This can quickly spiral out of control, leading to dangerous behaviors like driving while intoxicated or blacking out.

If you’re frequently getting blackout drunk, it’s important to seek help. Blacking out is a sign that your hippocampus, a section of the brain that deals with memory and learning, is struggling to process the alcohol you’re consuming.

Short-term problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption include:

  • short-term memory loss
  • impaired decision-making
  • loss of brain cells
  • decreased inhibitions
  • mood swings
  • impaired judgment
  • impaired coordination
  • slurred speech

Alcohol use disorder can have long-term effects, including long-term memory loss, liver damage, and brain damage. 

If you’re struggling with alcoholism, resources are available to help you get sober. Professional treatment centers can provide you with the support you or your loved one need to recover. Treatment options include detox, therapy, and 12-step programs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to alcoholism, so it’s important to find a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 for a list of options.

How Much Do You Have to Drink to Be Blackout Drunk?

How much alcohol does it take to reach a blackout state? This answer varies from person to person. However, blackouts tend to start at a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.16%.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered binge drinking. This level of intoxication can lead to impaired judgment and coordination, making it dangerous to drive or operate machinery.

Generally, women tend to black out at lower blood alcohol levels than men. Factors such as weight, medications, and how much food has been consumed can also affect the amount of alcohol that results in a blackout state. For example, drinking on an empty stomach will lead to intoxication more quickly than if you had eaten a meal beforehand.

In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and drink responsibly. If you’re unsure how much alcohol your body can handle, it’s best to take it easy and drink slowly or switch to non-alcoholic drinks.

Keep in mind that it’s also possible to reach a blackout state without passing out. A person in a blackout may continue a conversation and appear relatively sober. Still, they will not remember what happened when the blackout occurred.

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may be approaching a blackout state, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.

Blackouts can be extremely dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

Is It Normal to Black Out From Drinking?

It’s not unusual to feel relaxed or sleepy after drinking alcohol. That’s one of the reasons people tend to drink in the first place. Alcohol is a depressant, and it can cause you to feel tired and disoriented.

However, it’s important to distinguish between feeling sleepy and passing out. And while blackouts are certainly more common than we’d like to admit, they’re definitely not normal.

If you’re blacking out from drinking alcohol regularly, it’s vital to get help as soon as possible to avoid serious health complications. Left untreated, alcohol abuse can lead to organ damage, coma, and even death. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, please reach out for help today.

Seek Help For Blackouts

When it comes down to it, being blackout drunk is not normal and it can be dangerous. Remember, the best way to stop a blackout when drunk is by not drinking any more alcohol and seeking medical help if needed. Risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving, should never be taken lightly.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, please seek help. Contact Zinnia Health today at (855) 430-9439 and get started on the road to recovery. 

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(855) 430-9439
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