[Alcohol-related amnesia ("blackout") in broader perspective].

Alcohol-related amnesia ("blackout") is a common even in people who are not alcohol dependent. The average duration of simple alcohol-induced amnesia in our alcohol dependent male patients was almost 8 hours (7.96, SD=23.96). Alcohol-induced amnesia is considered to be a risk factor for long-term impairment of cognitive functions, if alcohol abuse continues. On the other hand cognitive functions in alcohol dependent persons who abstain from alcohol often improve remarkably because of reorganisation and restoration of neuronal networks. This process can be enhanced by vitamin B1, appropriate treatment of withdrawal syndrome, memory training, coping with stress and depression (relaxation techniques can be used), balanced life-style, and nootropic drugs. Alcohol-related amnesia often motivates alcohol dependent patients to overcome their problem, especially if it is appropriately used in psychotherapy.