Expert: Druideck - 4/21/2009

Question
Hello,
As a college-aged male, I have had my experience with alcohol.  Recently, however, I experienced my first blackout.  The blackout occurred after I had stopped drinking and lasted for about 45 minutes-to an hour until I had gone to sleep.  During that time, I threw up numerous times (I can remember puking, but not the context surrounding it).  Is there a chance that this one instance may cause permanent and severe brain damage?  If so, will a prolonged period of absitence be able to heal any of that damage?

Answer
Josh,

fragmentary blackouts are usually
caused by a rapid increase
in the blood/alcohol level.
This might be from drinking
too quickly and on an empty
stomach.

Blackouts can be a sign of
problem drinking but not always so.
Many alcoholics do have blackouts.
Some people seem predisposed to
blackouts and others not so much.

Blackouts mean you are likely
extremely impaired and
should use caution in your
drinking habits.
If you drink too much too fast
it can be risky.

Try this online test to see
where you are at with your drinking patterns:
http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html

Brain cell damage can occur over time with
excessive drinking.
We have millions of brain cells
so it takes time to affect many of them.
We have to destroy
quite a few sometime before we come
to our senses. ;)