Hypnosis and Retrieval of Events Stored during Alcohol-Induced Amnesia

Abstract

Two case studies demonstrate the amnesia for events experienced during alcoholic blackout is state dependent and that blackout material is stored. The problem is retrieving, not recording the events. These case studies show that the forgotten information can be retrieved by the use of hypnosis. Without the use of chemicals, a state similar to alcohol-induced blackout was achieved. Both subjects were regressed to before the blackout and brought forward. The material prior to, during, and beyond the blackout period flowed without interruption. After coming out of hypnosis, the subjects recalled what they had said while hypnotized. They did not recall the blackout experience itself. They were, however, satisfied with the explanation and could then proceed to validate.