6 Effective Ways to Prevent Blackouts When Drinking Alcohol

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1. Sip Your Drink Slowly

Many assume blackouts are caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol, but blackouts are actually caused by consuming alcohol too rapidly within a short period of time. Consuming alcohol too quickly also causes your blood alcohol level to rise quickly. As a result, a large amount of alcohol is delivered to the brain at a relatively fast pace.

This process disrupts the natural balance of brain chemicals that control memories. During a blackout, the brain is unable to transition short-term memories into long-term memories, which makes you forget what happened later, when you’re sober. Sip your drink slowly to avoid a blackout, and encourage your friends to do the same.

2. Avoid Doing Shots

Prevent Blackouts When Drinking — Eat a meal before you start drinking.

Shots of spirits such as vodka and tequila are high in alcohol content and can quickly lead to intoxication. Stay away from shots, and stick to drinking beverages with lower alcohol content that take longer to consume, such as beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

3. Say No to Drinking Games

Drinking games can be fun, but they are also highly dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. Most drinking games encourage rapid alcohol consumption, which increases your risk for a blackout. Avoid drinking games, or consider watching to keep an eye on friends who may be at risk for blackouts.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Avoid drinking alcohol if you’re tired, fatigued, or didn’t get enough rest the night before. Sleep deprivation impairs your brain’s ability to process alcohol and increases its effects more quickly. When you’re exhausted, your body and brain are already under physical stress, making you more vulnerable to intoxication, poor decision-making, and memory loss.

Even a moderate amount of alcohol that might not normally affect you as strongly can lead to a blackout if you’re running on little sleep. Prioritizing rest before social events or gatherings where alcohol is served helps your body metabolize alcohol more effectively and reduces the risk of losing consciousness or forgetting events from the night.

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5. Eat Before and During Drinking

Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach greatly increases your risk of blacking out since the alcohol can quickly enter your bloodstream and affect the brain. Eat a healthy meal before drinking, and continue to snack on healthy foods throughout the night as you drink to help slow down your body’s alcohol absorption rate.

6. Avoid Mixing Alcohol and Drugs

Mixing alcohol and drugs can be fatal, regardless of whether the drugs are prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or illicit drugs purchased on the street. Certain medications and drugs can interfere with alcohol in a way that increases the risk for blackouts, in addition to alcohol poisoning and drug overdose.

If you’re taking drugs of any kind, avoid drinking alcohol, or consult with your doctor to verify you can safely drink alcohol when taking your medication. Communicating with your doctor can help save your life and prevent you from experiencing overdose, coma, or death.

If you frequently experience blackouts when drinking and think you might have a problem, understand you don’t have to feel ashamed and that help is nearby. Call 800-948-8417 Sponsored to learn more about rehab centers that can help you safely and comfortably overcome substance abuse and addiction.