Blackout drinking is a dangerous drinking activity that many college students and young adults participate in. They do this for extreme intoxication and euphoria, and heightened physical sensations without thinking about the short and long-term effects of this type of alcohol abuse. Thousands of people die every year from excessive alcohol use. For those who struggle with alcohol addiction, a substance abuse treatment center can help stop the abuse before it is too late.
At True Self Recovery, we are a full-service addiction treatment center that utilizes proven therapeutic techniques to treat the addiction and the underlying cause behind it. We build a close relationship with each patient and take the time to help them open up about the feelings or past trauma that is fueling the addiction. As they learn new skills to cope with their feelings, their confidence in maintaining their sobriety increases, as well as their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, call (888) 596-2608 today for more information about our substance abuse treatment programs.
What Is Blackout Drinking?
Drinking so much that you become blackout drunk is very dangerous to your physical and mental health and will negatively impact your work and personal relationships. While alcohol is legal, it can be a lethal narcotic when abused or taken with other drugs. Blackout drinking is a type of binge drinking where individuals consume 4 or 5 drinks within a two-hour time period. This can lead to:
- Extreme intoxication
- Alcohol poisoning
- Loss of motor control
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Sudden unconsciousness
- Loss of memory
Blackout drinking occurs when your blood-alcohol level (BAC) reaches .016% or higher. Your body can only process one drink per hour, and when you have several drinks within that time frame, the alcohol gets into your bloodstream and causes intoxication that can last up to six hours. After a night of heavy drinking, men and women will experience fatigue and weakness, excessive thirst, headaches, muscle aches, light and sound sensitivities, and other symptoms.
At True Self Recovery, our team is ready to welcome you into our treatment facility, where you will start working on your recovery in a safe and discreet environment. We will go over your treatment plan with you and discuss the dangers of blackout drinking, along with teaching you healthy coping skills for managing your symptoms and triggers.
The Dangers of Blackout Drinking
While it may seem fun, there are some serious physical and psychological repercussions with frequent drinking, especially if they regularly consume four or more drinks each time. Here are just some of the dangers of blackout drinking:
Physical Harm of Being Blackout Drunk
Blackout drinking can cause a sudden loss of consciousness which can lead to falling, fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. Plus, lowered inhibitions mean you won’t think clearly and engage in risky behavior, such as unprotected sex and driving while intoxicated. Some individuals can become violent with extreme intoxication, which can lead to injuries to themselves and others and potentially several years of incarceration and heavy fines.
Other physical harm caused by blackout drinking includes permanent brain damage, kidney/liver failure, cancer of the throat, esophagus, or colon, heart disease, and other life-threatening conditions.
Psychological Dangers
One of the key symptoms of blackout drinking is memory loss. This is due to the high amount of alcohol in your blood system, which disrupts neural messages and stops the production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to depression, psychosis, impaired cognitive functions, changes in personality, and suicidal tendencies.
Get Help for Blackout Drinking at True Self Recovery
At True Self Recovery, we help Arkansas residents who routinely binge drink or blackout due to excessive alcoholism and want to make a healthy life change. We offer a full range of treatment programs that include:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Residential treatment programs
- Extended residential rehab
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living homes in Arkansas
- Alumni and aftercare programs
We will be with you every step of the way during your addiction recovery. To learn more about our beneficial addiction recovery programs, contact True Self Recovery at (888) 596-2608 today to speak with one of our caring team members about your future happiness.
