The Causes of Blackouts While Drinking and How to Avoid Them

Have you ever had a night out and woken the next day with little to no memories of the previous night? This is a common problem that many drinkers have after drinking heavily. Since blackouts from drinking can be scary and unsafe, it is wise to try and avoid these occurrences.

In order to avoid drinking blackouts, you first have to know how and why they occur. Surprisingly enough, there are no clear scientific reasons for blackouts-only several theories. The most likely theories are listed below:

• Drinking too quickly: A 1970 study by Ryback RS showed that blackouts are probably caused by drinking excessive amounts quickly. The faster your blood alcohol concentration rises, the more likely you are to black out. If you drink alcohol slowly, even if you end up just as intoxicated, you are less likely to black out.
• Alcoholism: According to a 2004 study published in European Addiction Research magazine, showed that blackouts are associated with loss of control and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol abuse. Individuals who drank compulsively tended to black out more than individuals who could control their drinking throughout the night.
• Past trauma: Strangely enough, past trauma can be an indicator for how likely you are to black out. A 2008 study published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that individuals who suffered from childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, and other past traumas were more likely to black out from excessive drinking episodes.

How to stop blackouts

Obviously, there is no way to stop blackouts from drinking due to trauma, and if you are addicted to drinking, you probably shouldn’t be drinking anyway. However, there is one easy way to reduce the amount of blackouts that you get from increasing your blood alcohol too quickly. Here are some easy steps you can take to reduce your chances of blacking out while drinking:

Fill your stomach: Everyone knows you’re not supposed to drink on an empty stomach, but thousands of people do it anyway. Food helps slow the speed of your blood alcohol concentration, which will help reduce your chances of blacking out.

Drink slowly: Although it may seem like it in high school and college, intoxication is not a race. The faster you get drunk, the higher your chances of feeling significant damaging health effects, like blacking out. You can space out your drinking and still feel intoxicated without the dangerous side effects that drinking quickly can cause.

Don’t mix meds with alcohol: You chances of blacking out increase if you are on medication. Never take medication with alcohol to avoid the risk of blackouts or even more serious complications.

Keep rested: Sometimes mixing alcohol with sleep deprivation can lead to increased blackouts. Try getting rest before drinking to reduce your chances of seeing a blackout.

If you follow these steps, you will improve your overall health and avoid blackouts. Drinking responsibly is the best way to avoid serious injuries, health complications, and death.

This is a Guest Post by Simon. Occasional guest-blogger and full time entertainment and car enthusiast. Simon currently represents Pubstars, a name well known in connection to Melbourne pubs.