Asking Alice About Blackout - (Knockout?)

Sometimes I think they should call it knockout!!! What is commonly referred to, as blackout is actually alcoholic poisoning!

Blackouts, defined as periods of amnesia (memory loss), are caused when alcohol consumption levels prevent the formation of memories in the brain

It would be hard to recommend that or even say - "Oh well it is a phase - it will pass." In answer to a recent request I looked up BLACKOUTS FROM HEAVY DRINKING EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. On the excellent information portal Go Ask Alice. Now it seems that the question about drinking to blackout is asked frequently. The answer you will find at the web address above will say.....

"our bodies can only process about one ounce of liquor an hour - the amount in a standard drink. Consuming ten to twenty drinks in a sitting could certainly cause trouble, in the form of major loss of motor control and judgment, slowing of your breathing and heart rate, memory loss, nausea, and a doozy of a hangover."

The drinker is placing herself in danger by going that far with alcohol consumption. It is physically dangerous. But there is more at stake than the consequences of physical harm due to the nature of the 'overdosing!'

Blackouts are also considered an early high-risk indicator of alcoholism.

No matter which theory a woman subscribes to regarding alcoholism - it is always better to acknowledge a drinking problem and investigate the severity and the strategies for coping with it.

If you are concerned about your own blackouts, .....

• have a trial rest period
• cut back
• set limits on your alcohol intake
• see if this works

If this doesn't work

seek professional support or assistance

for some this will mean contact your local A.A. to see if this could be helpful for you

if at all possible enlist the help and understanding of your family

perhaps consider therapy (it works for some)

even detox should not be considered out of the question if you really can't stop drinking

The bottom line would be - don't keep drinking to blackout Investigate why you are doing something that is actually so harmful and unpleasant and find a way to stop.

There are many ways that people try. I personally think that A.A. is the most effective way - but - perhaps I am only partially right. I acknowledge this as my bias -based on research. I would be happy to hear your views. It would be a privilege to walk with you in a spirit of support and encouragement, if you intend to try to journey on the path of sobriety.

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