How to Prevent Blacking Out When Drinking (12 Tips)

Eat before and during drinking
Avoid shots/chugging; choose lower‑ABV drinks
Alternate alcohol with water (1:1)
Measure your pours; know standard drink sizes
Don’t mix alcohol with sedatives (e.g., benzos, opioids, sleep meds)
Set a limit and an end time, then stick to it
Watch for early memory gaps and stop if they appear
Know alcohol‑poisoning signs and call 911 in an emergency

What is an Alcohol Blackout?

An alcohol blackout is memory loss for events that happened while intoxicated. Alcohol can temporarily block the transfer of memories in the brain’s hippocampus, so you may appear awake and functioning but later have gaps (fragmentary “brownouts”) or no recall at all (en bloc).

There are two types of alcohol blackouts:

Partial Blackouts (Fragmentary Blackouts): In this case, a person may have gaps in their memory, recalling some events from the period of intoxication but not others. Sometimes, these gaps can be filled in later when prompted by others who were present.
Complete Blackouts (En Bloc Blackouts): These involve a total loss of memory for a specific period, with no chance of recollection, even when prompted. The brain fails to store any memories during this time, creating a complete void in the person’s memory.

What Causes an Alcohol Blackout?

Alcohol blackouts are caused by a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which impairs the brain's ability to form new memories. Several factors can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a blackout:

Drinking Quickly: Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, such as through binge drinking, significantly raises the risk of a blackout.
Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Without food in the stomach to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, BAC levels can rise more rapidly, increasing the chances of a blackout.
Mixing Alcohol with Other Substances: Combining alcohol with other substances, such as medications or drugs, can amplify its effects and increase the risk of a blackout.
Individual Tolerance: A person’s tolerance to alcohol plays a role in how their body reacts. Factors such as weight, gender, and genetic predisposition can influence the likelihood of blacking out.

The Risks Associated with Alcohol Blackouts

Experiencing an alcohol blackout is a clear sign that the brain has been overwhelmed by alcohol, which can lead to several dangerous situations:

Risky Behavior: During a blackout, individuals may engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, or getting into physical altercations, all without remembering their actions later.
Injury: Due to impaired judgment and coordination, those in a blackout are more prone to accidents, falls, and injuries.
Alcohol Poisoning: A blackout can be a sign of severe intoxication, and if drinking continues, it can lead to alcohol poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Long-term Brain Damage: Repeated blackouts can cause long-term damage to the brain, affecting memory, cognitive function, and overall mental health.

12 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Blackouts

Eat first—and keep snacking. Protein and fat slow alcohol absorption.
Pace yourself. A practical benchmark is no more than 1 standard drink per hour. Faster intake raises blackout risk.
Alternate with water (1:1). Hydration helps you slow down.
Choose lower‑ABV options. Many craft beers and cocktails contain more than one standard drink per serving.
Measure your pours. Home and party pours often exceed a standard drink.
Avoid shots, chugging, and drinking games. They spike BAC quickly.
Do not mix alcohol with sedatives or opioids. Combining alcohol with benzodiazepines, opioids, or some sleep meds can dangerously suppress breathing and judgment.
Set a personal limit and an end time before you start.
Use a buddy system. Agree to check in and leave together.
Watch early warning signs. Losing track of conversations or time, or noticing spotty recall, means it’s time to stop.
Plan your ride home in advance. Remove reasons to keep drinking.
If blackouts keep happening, cut back and get support. Repeated blackouts are a red flag for harm and possible alcohol use disorder.

If you or someone you know frequently experiences alcohol blackouts, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, such as alcohol dependence or addiction. Seeking professional help is crucial in addressing these problems before they lead to more severe consequences.

At Scottsdale Providence, we understand the challenges that come with alcohol use and abuse. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping individuals regain control over their lives through personalized treatment programs. If you’re concerned about alcohol blackouts or any other related issues, we’re here to provide the support and resources you need to start your journey to recovery.

Author

Victoria Yancer

Victoria writes thoughtful, compassionate content for the behavioral health space. She brings clarity to complex topics and creates messaging that helps people feel informed, understood, and supported as they explore treatment options.

Clinical Reviewer

Daniel Nichols, LCSW

Dan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years in behavioral health and addiction treatment. His trauma-informed approach blends evidence-based therapies with hope, purpose, and community.

How to Avoid Alcohol Blackouts