Alcohol is so ingrained into our society that binge drinking is almost seen as a right of passage in some social circles, leading to intentional heavy drinking and serious physical and mental harm. What is blackout drunk? It is a condition where men and women are so intoxicated that it shuts down parts of the brain due to the sheer amount of toxins in your body. This type of drinking is very dangerous and will require extensive therapy through an accredited alcohol addiction treatment program to recover safely.
At Swift River, we help men and women from all walks of life struggling with addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other dangerous substances. We offer medical detox, inpatient, outpatient, and alumni programs that can support patients through every step of their recovery journey. We employ a wide range of behavioral and holistic therapies that are proven to be very effective in treating addiction and other mental health disorders. Reach out to our knowledgeable team today at 413.570.9698 for more information about our alcohol addiction treatment program.
What Is Blackout Drunk?
Blackout drinking is an excessive type of drinking that involves four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within a two-hour time period. This rapid intake of alcohol can cause a chemical imbalance that disrupts neurological signals and causes the hippocampus to shut down. This can lead to anterograde amnesia, and you will be unable to create or store new memories.
People often mix alcohol with other drugs, like benzodiazepines, cannabis, or Ambien, to heighten the effect without realizing they are putting themselves at risk of blacking out. While blackout drinking does not cause an immediate addiction, with continued abuse at such high levels, it can cause serious dependence and addiction in a short amount of time.
At Swift River, we help men and women who want to quit drinking but are unable to do so without professional support. Our treatment programs are designed around each patient’s unique symptoms and will involve a combination of behavioral, holistic, and medical treatments.
The Dangers of Blackout Drinking
Several studies suggest that nearly half of everyone who drinks will experience being blackout drunk at least once in their lives. In many cases, especially with teens and young adults, they look forward to when they can drink so much that they blackout.
Some of the dangers of being blackout drunk include:
- Physical injuries are common with blackout drinking. Poor judgment can lead to drunk driving, falling, or hitting your head on objects, which can lead to concussions or severe head injuries.
- Heavy drinking can cause significant neurological damage and lead to brain shrinkage or permanent damage. Blackout drinking can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that can cause self-harming or suicidal behaviors if left untreated.
- As people spend more time and money drinking, it will impact their education, work, and personal lives. Work or school performance will suffer, and relationships can become strained and lead to divorce and broken families.
- Unprotected sex is common with being blackout drunk and can lead to unwanted pregnancy, date rape, HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases.
If you regularly participate in blackout drinking and cannot stop, enrolling in an addiction treatment program can save your life and teach you healthy coping skills for managing your symptoms and triggers.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery With Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Swift River – Massachusetts
What is Blackout drunk? It is a type of heavy drinking that causes serious addiction and dependence and can lead to worsening physical and mental health issues. Swift River provides residents with comprehensive addiction treatment programs that can address all aspects of their addiction, no matter how severe their symptoms are. We offer a wide range of addiction therapy programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Creative writing
- Nutrition education
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, today is the best day to take that step toward a better life. Call 413.570.9698 today to meet with our friendly team, or fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
