Why do some people not remember anything when they get drunk?
To expand on tstorm1986's comment, I believe ethanol specifically inhibits the short-term-to-long-term memory transfer process, thus making those people unable to remember even the smallest action more than 5 minutes afterwards, or as soon as they start thinking of something else. ELI5 version: A…
The Short Answer
To expand on tstorm1986's comment, I believe ethanol specifically inhibits the short-term-to-long-term memory transfer process, thus making those people unable to remember even the smallest action more than 5 minutes afterwards, or as soon as they start thinking of something else. ELI5 version: A tiny amount of the liquid in alcoholic drinks heads up to your brain and tells your brain to stop making memories indefinitely. Eventually, your body gets rid of all the drink, through one end or the other, and the brain starts making memories again, but it is too late to make memories of everything you did the night before. Also, the simplest solution to your "Wake up feeling horrible" problem is to just drink plenty of water before you go to sleep drunk. EDIT: Changed "inhibits the short-term memory process" to "inhibits the short-term-to-long-term memory transfer process", as per [ritosuave's](_URL_0_) comments/research. Go ahead and give him a few upvotes.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Inhibits, memory, process
This explanation focuses on inhibits, memory, process and spans 155 words across 6 sentences. At 128% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “To expand on tstorm1986's comment, I believe ethanol specifically inhibits the short-term-to-long-term memory transfer p” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 6 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #15 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 4%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why some people not remember anything when they get drunk?
To expand on tstorm1986's comment, I believe ethanol specifically inhibits the short-term-to-long-term memory transfer process, thus making those people unable to remember even the smallest action more than 5 minutes afterwards, or as soon as they…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 155 words, ranked #15 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are inhibits, memory, process.
What approach does this answer take to explain some people not remember anything when they get drunk?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives and scientific references across 155 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.