I pretty much WAS Sarah Hepola. Her book, give or take some details, especially with black outs and brown outs (memories are hazy and such rather than totally gone). I had them for years and some of it was so unpretty, so to speak. I began to wonder why everyone hadn't had them- they happened sometimes, right?
I found that they could occur at any particular time I was drinking, as my alcoholism progressed- varying amounts, type of alcohol, whatever.
The only way to stop them - and they are indeed indicative of an alcohol abuse problem or alcoholism, and NOT typical of normal drinkers- is complete abstinence.
You can choose to quit now.
Here's some info I found by Googling, if you want to understand them, as you seem too - but this guide is NOT meant for alcoholics.
How To Prevent Alcoholic Blackouts https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C....0.EzOvUxoqVmY