Many young adults engage in heavy alcohol consumption which can result in a blackout, defined as alcohol-induced memory loss. Blackout drinking is associated with a variety of negative consequences including physical injury, sexual assault, and overdose. Previous studies have shown that heavy lifetime alcohol use is associated with poorer cognition in older adults. However, the long-term effects of single or repeated episodes of blackout drinking on cognition and attention are unknown. In addition, there many factors that may influence blackout drinking frequency and cognition such as gender and the combined use of alcohol and cannabis. This study examines the effect of alcohol use behaviors on memory lapses, non-memory cognitive difficulties, and cognitive concerns among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 479 young adults age 18 to 30 years old who reported at least one episode of blackout drinking during the past year. Participants were asked to report alcohol consumption during a typical week in the past three months, frequency of blackout drinking in the past year, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in the past year. Respondents were also asked about daily memory lapses, non-memory cognitive difficulties, and concerns about cognitive functioning. Lastly, the Cognitive Function-Abilities scale was used to assess positive self-assessments of cognitive functioning during the past seven days. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression.
Results of the data analysis showed men and young adults who reported frequent simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis experienced more frequent blackout episodes. Heavier alcohol consumption and more frequent alcohol use was significantly associated with more memory lapses and more non-memory cognitive difficulties. More frequent alcohol consumption was also associated with cognitive concerns. In addition, more frequent blackout events were significantly correlated with more memory lapses, more non-memory cognitive difficulties, and more cognitive concerns. Gender did moderate the association between blackout experiences on memory lapses and non-memory cognitive difficulties but not on cognitive concerns.
Takeaway: Blackout drinking may lead to poorer everyday cognitive functioning among young adults.