What is a blackout?
A blackout is an alcohol induced memory loss. Blackouts occur when alcohol blocks neurotransmitters that send memories from short-term memory to long-term memory. This is different from passing out, or drinking to the point of becoming unconscious. When a person is in a blackout they are functioning as normally as another intoxicated person would be functioning. They are able to have conversations and act in ways that does not indicate that they are experiencing a blackout. Blackouts are not identified until the next day, when the person realizes that they are missing part of his/her night. The memory loss can be a few minutes to a few hours, or longer. Blackouts happen when a person’s blood alcohol level (B.A.L.) goes over a certain level. It is different for everybody but it is more likely to occur when a person has a blood alcohol level of over a .15. Remember, in NH, a .08 is the legal limit. Generally, a .15 would be considered quite intoxicated. Blood alcohol levels increase as a
