Research & Resources

This study examined preliminary associations between blackout drinking and self-reported everyday cognitive functioning (i.e., memory lapses, non-memory cognitive difficulties, cognitive concerns) among a sample of 479 young adults. The results showed that frequent blackout experiences were significantly related to increased memory lapses, non-memory cognitive difficulties, and cognitive concerns, even after controlling for typical alcohol use behavior. Men and individuals reporting frequent simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis indicated stronger relationships between blackout drinking frequency and cognitive functioning. These results show that blackout drinking might lead to poorer cognitive functioning.

This paper, “Associations between blackout drinking and self-reported everyday cognition among young adults,” was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and published in the journal Addictive behaviors.