Blacking Out From Benzodiazepines

Can You Blackout From Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are a class of pharmaceutical drugs developed to treat symptoms of disorders and medical conditions, such as anxiety and seizures. Many side effects may result from benzodiazepine abuse, including memory loss, often referred to as blacking out.

Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Valium, and Halcion can cause blackouts, periods of memory loss similar to those experienced with excessive alcohol consumption. The risk of blacking out is significantly higher when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol.

Both substances work on the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors of the brain, and when more natural GABA is present, communication between neurons slows down. Slowed communication means that memories do not go from short-term memory to long-term storage, resulting in what is known as “blacking out.” This is called anterograde amnesia, a condition that impairs short-term and long-term memory creation, causing a complete inability to recall events that occurred during intoxication.

Anterograde amnesia most commonly occurs after taking fast-acting, short-duration benzodiazepines, and the risk is heightened when these medications are combined with alcohol. During a blackout, individuals are temporarily unable to form new memories while still retaining the ability to perform other activities, such as conversing, eating, engaging in sexual activity, or even driving.

Long-term use or high doses of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance, prompting higher intake and increasing the likelihood of blackouts. Episodes of amnesia can last from seconds or minutes to hours or even days, depending on the dose and method of administration.

People who experience blackouts are often unaware of their behavior until informed by others, and in some cases, only recognize their actions after encountering legal or medical intervention. Benzodiazepine-induced anterograde amnesia can result in partial (fragmentary) blackouts or complete (en bloc) blackouts.

Partial (Fragmentary) Blackouts

Partial blackouts are characterized by someone having the ability to recall certain events from an intoxicated period, and yet being unaware that other memories are missing until they are reminded of the existing “gaps” in memory. A blockage in memory formation prevents the transfer of short-term memory to long-term storage, resulting in only being able to recall a portion of events.

Complete (En Bloc) Blackouts

En bloc, or complete, blackouts are classified by the inability to recall any memories from the intoxication period, even when given cues.

Once the brain is able to produce and store memories, the person may “wake up” from this state of amnesia and resume normal activity, but most fall asleep before the end of a blackout.

Signs That Someone Is Blacked Out From Benzodiazepines

It may be difficult to identify when someone is experiencing anterograde amnesia because they often remain awake and can engage in regular behaviors. The user may also engage in risky behavior, but often it is difficult to detect whether someone is blacked out. Some indicators that a person may be in a blackout include:

• The person is easily distracted.
• The person continuously forgets what they are talking about or what they are doing.
• The person frequently repeats the same thing over and over again without memory of repeating themselves.
• The person exhibits lack of awareness of their surroundings.
• The person exhibits a lack of concern for others’ thoughts and feelings.
• The person chooses to engage in risky behaviors that are unlike their usual behavior.
• The person has consumed large quantities of benzodiazepines and/or alcohol over a short period of time.

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Dangers Of Blacking Out From Benzodiazepines

Blacking out from benzodiazepines is not just a temporary lapse in memory, it can have serious physical, legal, and social consequences. During these episodes, individuals may appear to function normally, but their ability to make safe decisions is severely impaired. Understanding the dangers associated with benzodiazepine-induced blackouts is essential for preventing harm and recognizing the risks of misuse. Dangers include:

• Risky behavior and accidents
• Impaired judgment
• Vulnerability to assault or exploitation
• Legal consequences
• Social and relationship issues
• Overdose risk
• Mental health effects
• Memory gaps and confusion

The state of disinhibition and memory can lead to feelings of shame and anxiety. A study on memory and benzodiazepines found that, when hearing about their blackouts, users perceived their own behavior as inexplicable and inconsistent with their self-conception or normal behavior.

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Find Treatment For Benzodiazepine Addiction

If you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction and experiencing blackouts, talk to a healthcare professional about detoxing. Detoxing from benzodiazepines with include safely tapering off of the drug. A rehabilitation setting can help start the road to recovery. For more information, contact a treatment provider today.