Why Don’t We Remember Anything After Drinking Alcohol?

When we strain our memory alone, nothing comes up, but sometimes when someone tells us what happened, Moments that come in fragments Just as it has a name, there are also reasons for shutting down complete circuits.

Not only do we know how our brains and bodies do this to us, but also alcohol is more powerful than you think. big effects Will you notice that it is?

Alcohol and the brain: Where are memories stored?

Our brain uses a complex system to store and retrieve memories. Hippocampus The brain region called plays a critical role especially in the transformation of short-term memory into long-term memory. Alcohol disrupts the normal functioning of cells in this area and, as a result, prevents the creation of new memories.

Alcohol, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) It slows down brain activities by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter called. This reduces the brain’s capacity to communicate and information processing processes It disrupts. At high alcohol levels, these effects become more pronounced and the recording of memories is disrupted.

Loss of memories: alcohol blockade

The scientific name for our inability to remember what we experienced while under the influence of alcohol “alcohol-induced memory loss” or as it is popularly called “blackout”. This situation occurs in two types: Partial and complete loss.

Fragmentary i.e. fragmented memory loss, While it causes us to remember some events in fragments, in complete loss, it is as if the events were completely erased, that is, as if they never happened. Sound familiar?

What happens in the brain?

Alcohol, NMDA (N-Methyl-D-aspartate) receptors By blocking synaptic plasticity, it prevents the strengthening and weakening of the connections between nerve cells. This is a critical process in storing memories. In addition, alcohol reduces the effect of the stimulating neurotransmitter called glutamate and reduces the memory-forming capacity.

Alcohol amount and effect

The effect of alcohol on memory varies, of course, depending on the amount consumed and the biochemical characteristics of the person. Especially when alcohol is consumed quickly and in large amounts, the brain becomes more comes under pressure and the likelihood of experiencing memory loss increases.

of a person BAC (blood alcohol concentration) When the value approaches 16 percent, power cuts begin.

In addition, the person’s general health condition, sleep patterns and stress levels can also reinforce these effects.

Long-term effects of alcohol

Frequent alcohol consumption is harmful in the long run permanent memory problems and can cause brain damage. Continuous exposure of cells in the brain to the effects of alcohol can cause permanent damage to synaptic connections. Therefore, be moderate in your alcohol consumption.

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