Blackouts
What is the difference between a blackout and passing out?
"Blackouts" (alcohol-related memory loss) have occurred when a person has no memory of what happened while intoxicated. These periods may last from a few minutes to several hours. During a blackout, someone may appear fine to others; however, the next day s/he cannot remember parts of the night and what s/he did. The person having a blackout does not know it. The cause of blackouts is not well understood but may involve interference in short-term memory storage. Blackouts shouldn't be confused with "passing out," which happens when people lose consciousness from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Losing consciousness means that a person has reached a very dangerous level of intoxication, could slip into a coma and could die. If someone has passed out and is non responsive, call EMS immediately (911). S/he needs immediate medical attention.
Acute Alcohol Poisoning
"Blackouts" (alcohol-related memory loss) have occurred when a person has no memory of what happened while intoxicated. These periods may last from a few minutes to several hours. During a blackout, someone may appear fine to others; however, the next day s/he cannot remember parts of the night and what s/he did. The person having a blackout does not know it. The cause of blackouts is not well understood but may involve interference in short-term memory storage. Blackouts shouldn't be confused with "passing out," which happens when people lose consciousness from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Losing consciousness means that a person has reached a very dangerous level of intoxication, could slip into a coma and could die. If someone has passed out and is non responsive, call EMS immediately (911). S/he needs immediate medical attention.
Acute Alcohol Poisoning
