You might have heard the phrase ‘black out drunk’ before, which might evoke images of someone asleep or passed out. But that’s not what it is. Blacking out is when you’re conscious and walking around, but can’t remember anything afterwards. And that’s what has happened to journalist Sarah Hepola, dozens of times.

Drinking became a normal part of her life, like a lot of people; a social lubricant, a way to meet new people, and a party starter. But as the nights got more and more hazy, she realised she needed to make a change...

THE END BITS:

Subscribe to Mamamia

With thanks to Sarah Hepola. Buy Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget

Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au

Need more info, and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here.

CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman. You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff

Producer: Emmeline Peterson

Audio Producer: Madeline Joannou

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.