'Blackout Wednesday' Drinking Risks Before Thanksgiving

‘Blackout Wednesday’ Drinking Risks Before Thanksgiving

St. Patrick’s Day. New Year’s Eve. We often associate these days with alcohol. Bars are busy. Drinks are flowing. People are overindulging. But did you know the day before Thanksgiving actually rivals these two days for alcohol consumption? In fact, binge drinking has become so common on Turkey-Day Eve that the day is known as Blackout Wednesday.

The Story Behind Blackout Wednesday

Researchers found that, compared to other Wednesdays, liquor sales at bars spike by 156% on Blackout Wednesday. And guess what else goes up? Alcohol related emergencies and drunk driving rates skyrocket the night before Thanksgiving.

Why the surge? It’s a combination of factors.

Reunions: College students return home for the holidays. They reunite with old friends and head to the bar to celebrate and reconnect. Since two out of every five college students report that they binge drink, these reunions often involve dangerous binge drinking and unsafe driving choices.

Underage drinking: College co-eds aren’t the only young people imbibing on Blackout Wednesday. Underage drinking remains a major health concern in the U.S., with 3,900 youth under 21 losing their lives to excessive alcohol use each year. Blackout Wednesday is prime time for these lethal incidents.

Mental health challenges: For many people, the holidays are tough. Regrets, anxiety, financial woes, and many other challenges can become overwhelming during the holidays—and many try to drown these problems with alcohol.

Family stress: Facing an entire weekend with family, some people view Blackout Wednesday as a time to “unwind” or prepare for the chaos ahead. They overindulge in an attempt to cope with family issues.

Celebrate Safely This Thanksgiving

It’s important to understand that blackouts are a serious health threat. These episodes are defined as memory lapses caused by binge drinking (4+ drinks for women and 5+ drinks for men). Risks include seizures and accidental injuries. This heavy consumption of alcohol can also cause alcohol poisoning, which affects breathing, heart rate and other bodily functions. And these effects can be fatal.

Fortunately, you don’t need to put yourself in danger this Thanksgiving. It’s fairly simple to take steps on Blackout Wednesday to avoid binge drinking and the risks involved.

Mocktail options and non-alcoholic beers provide tasty options to sip while you celebrate with friends and family. Ride-share options and designated drivers can keep everyone safe on the road.

And if you’re struggling with alcohol use as a coping mechanism, help is available.

Explore the best alcohol recovery centers in your area or call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) for immediate and individualized support.