Alcohol-related Amnesia („Blackout“) in Broader Perspective

Overview

Alcohol-related amnesia („blackout“) is a common even in people who are not alcohol dependent. The averageduration of simple alcohol–induced amnesia in our alcohol dependent male patients was almost 8 hours (7,96,SD=23,96). Alcohol–induced amnesia is considered to be a risk factor for long-term impairment of cognitivefunctions, if alcohol abuse continues. On the other hand cognitive functions in alcohol dependent personswho abstainfrom alcohol often improve remarkably because of reorganisation and restoration of neuronal networks. This processcan be enhanced by vitamin B1, appropriate treatment of withdrawal syndrome, memory training, coping with stressand depression (relaxation techniques can be used), balanced life-style, and nootropic drugs.Alcohol-related amnesiaoften motivates alcohol dependent patients to overcome their problem, especially if it is appropriately used inpsychotherapy.

Key words:
alcohol-related amnesia, blackout, duration, cognitive functions, treatment.