A blackout is fun right? NO! Blackout is a phenomenon caused by the intake of alcohol in which long term memory creation is impaired. Blackouts are frequently described as having effects similar to that of anterograde amnesia. 'Blacking out' is not to be confused with the mutually exclusive act of 'passing out'. Research on alcohol blackouts was begun by E. M. Jellinek in the 1940s. Using data from a survey of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members, he came to believe that blackouts would be a good predictor of alcoholism. However, there are conflicting views as to whether or not this is true.
Fragmentary and Complete Blackouts
There are 2 types of alcohol induced blackouts – fragmentary and total.
People who have experienced a fragmentary blackout may not recall the events of a period of intoxication until they are reminded or cued about them.
SCENERIO #1:
Friend: "Remember jumping into the pool last night with your clothes on?"
Fragmented blackout dude: "Oh my, I'm starting to remember that now…I can’t believe I did that!"
People who have experienced a total blackout will not remember, even with memory cues, any of the events that occurred during the period of the memory blackout.
SCENRIO #2:
Friend: "Remember jumping into the pool with your clothes on?"
Total blackout dude: "What pool?"
...classic
Blackouts can last for hours or even days where you begin to turn into a blackout zombie drunk. Memory blackouts do not affect memories formed prior to the onset of drunkenness.
BLACKED OUT OR PASSED OUT?
Speaking of blacking out...go see The Hangover, now in theaters everywhere. That ish is hilarious!
MOVIE REVIEW:http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10010667-hangover/