A blackout is when you lose memory due to excessive drinking; you might not remember where you were or how you got there. According to Healthline.com, “The hippocampus is found deep within the brain. It’s critical to forming memories. The hippocampus can’t develop long-term alcohol tolerance. This means it can’t create memories when a blackout occurs.”[1] In a total blackout, you don’t remember anything that happened during a particular period of time. In the aftermath, cues typically won’t help you remember. During a brownout, on the other hand, you lose pockets of memory, but remember some moments. What you do or don’t remember might not be chronological. In one study following college freshmen for six years, 66.4% reported experiencing blackouts during years four to six of the study.[3] College students and young adults are studied more often when it comes to binge drinking, but they aren’t the only group regularly blacking out. For example, older adults may take medications that make alcohol-related blackouts occur more quickly. For anyone of any age, browning or blacking out consistently is associated with addiction. If you find that this is happening a lot, drinking may be negatively impacting your day-to-day functioning. However, there is always hope for recovery. If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. Amatus Recovery Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you find healthy ways to cope with painful emotions, so that you can stay sober through whatever life brings. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005. [1] https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-blackouts#what-happens-to-your-body