By Jennifer McDougall
Alcohol consumption is a common social activity across the globe. However, excessive drinking can lead to severe consequences, including an alcohol-induced blackout. During such blackouts, an individual may continue to function but not remember their actions. This article aims to shed light on what happens to your brain during an alcohol-induced blackout and how to take preventative measures.
What Happens to Your Brain During an Alcohol-Induced Blackout?
When you consume alcohol, it disrupts the activity in your hippocampus, a central region of the brain responsible for forming new memories. This disruption can result in partial or complete memory loss of events while intoxicated.
While most parts of the brain are alcohol-tolerant, the hippocampus is not. This means that even though an intoxicated person may seem articulate and function normally, their brain cannot form new memories due to the reaction to alcohol.
In addition, frequent blackouts from alcohol abuse can lead to long-term brain damage. Over time, the brain can enter a state of stress, leading to unconsciousness or even a coma. In some instances, excessive alcohol consumption can cause brain bleeding, resulting in symptoms affecting vision, coordination, and balance.
How to Prevent Alcohol-Induced Blackouts
Preventing alcohol-induced blackouts primarily involves moderating your alcohol consumption. Here are some practical tips:
- Set a limit: Decide on the maximum number of drinks you’ll have and stick to it.
- Hydrate: Alternate between alcoholic beverages and water.
- Eat: Consuming food can slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Pace: Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time.
Consider the Reasons Why You Are Drinking Alcohol
Have you ever asked yourself why you are abusing alcohol and have a hard time quitting? Maybe you are using alcohol because it’s a coping mechanism, and you are trying to avoid the things you don’t like. Perhaps you are abusing alcohol because you are feeling depressed or anxious, and you feel as though alcohol helps you cope with those feelings.
Maybe you are abusing alcohol because you are angry with yourself and have unresolved issues from the past that need reconciliation. Perhaps you are using alcohol because you are lonely and have no one to talk to about what you’re experiencing. If you have found yourself in any of these situations, Passages is here to help you get sober and begin living a life you can be proud of.
Alcohol is highly addictive, and it’s essential to recognize that excessive drinking is dangerous. Because it is so commonly used in our society, it can be challenging for someone to self-identify that they are using alcohol as a coping mechanism instead of as a social lubricant. There are no benefits to drinking alcohol, especially in excess. The most significant danger of alcohol addiction is its long-term health effects. Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to quit drinking, and since that is not always easy to do on your own, we have created a non-12-step program that can help you do just that. We aim to get to the core of your addiction-related issues and help you heal them. Our program is unique in that it is a non-12-step program, and we do not label you an “addict’ or ‘alcoholic,’ and we do not believe in the idea that you are powerless over your addiction. We have helped thousands of people quit drinking and can help you too.
Seeking Help at Passages Malibu
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible. At Passages Malibu, we offer various non-12-step addiction treatment services tailored to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. Our team of professionals provides personalized treatment plans to address each individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
Remember, admitting you need help is the first step toward recovery. Reach out to us at Passages Malibu, and let’s embark on this journey together toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.
