Pennsylvania, United States

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Blackouts are frequently connected with excessive alcohol consumption, but a new study reveals that how you drink is equally important. Research headed by postdoctoral scholar Veronica Richards of the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center at Pennsylvania State University offers light on the components that contribute to alcohol-induced blackouts.

How did the study come to this conclusion?

The study, published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, analysed data from 79 college sophomores and juniors who often drank alcohol. These students reported experiencing blackouts during the most recent semester.

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3 factors that determine if you will have a blackout or not

The researchers discovered that the rate of alcohol intake, length of intoxication, and peak intoxication levels all have a role in causing blackouts. Essentially, the quicker you drink, the more you drink, and the longer you drink, the greater your chances of getting a blackout.

Also read: Scientists reveal why zebrafish can regenerate damaged heart but humans can’t

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Participants wore watches capable of detecting intoxication levels via the skin throughout 12 weekends. They also kept journals to track their memories from the previous day. Out of the 147 blackouts observed across 486 drinking days, over 70% of students had at least one.

Blackouts occurred more frequently when all related criteria were present: quick consumption of liquor, excessive alcohol intake, and extended drinking sessions. Female students had somewhat more blackouts (80%) than boys (70%), with an average of 2.2 episodes per student.

Also read: One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study

How to lessen the risk of blackouts?

To lessen the risk of blackouts, experts advised avoiding drinking games that encourage excessive alcohol intake. Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night can also assist in limiting alcohol consumption and prevent extreme intoxication.