memory blackouts causes
It is only when these symptoms appear regularly that there is cause for concern. Amnesia caused by substance use is a far more worrying symptom, but it may be common even for social drinkers. Blackout Defined. A blackout is a loss of memory caused by excessive alcohol intake or drug use. These substances cause disruption to the ability of the brain to form long-term memories. This interference occurs at the hippocampus region of the brain. The loss of memory can be fragmentary or complete. It does not damage previous long-term memories. The occurrence of this type of memory loss is usually associated with a rapid rise in blood alcohol content.