Now that Halloween is over, millions of Americans are looking forward to two more awesome times of the year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, we can start hanging those sparkling lights, partying with friends, or hanging out with loved ones. However, one long-lasting and inarguably infamous tradition is the family dinner, when people gather together to celebrate the good message of Thanksgiving (our country’s friendship) and Christmas. Nevertheless, while people have nice intentions, chaos often ensues in thousands of houses from California to Maine, all thanks to little bottles of wine, liquor, and other alcoholic drinks. While some of you might like to indulge in apple pie or turkey, some risk-takers prefer the tang of a bloody Mary or a shot of Captain Morgan. Let’s take a closer look at why binge drinking increases during the holidays.
Too Much Pressure
As with other customs around the world, drinking alcohol increases during American holidays due to a supposed social requirement. Family members and friends will gather to talk about events throughout the year and (of course) start pouring wine at some point during a conversation. Nevertheless, the reason drinking booms during Thanksgiving and Christmas is not a particularly happy one (predictable).
So why does excessive drinking skyrocket during these happy holidays? For some people, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas celebrations are grim reminders of loneliness and embarrassment or events that were far from pleasant (like a brutal fight with a family member). Likewise, some people drown their sorrows in alcohol (due to overwhelming despair) or become intoxicated as a result of holiday pressure to buy completely useless gifts.
Crunching Numbers
Based on this information, you will not be surprised to hear that Forbes labeled binge drinking a “seasonal habit.” In fact, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States determined that the distilled spirit industry makes 25% of its annual $49 billion profit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Interestingly, even casual drinkers will increase their consumption of alcoholic beverages during this time of year. Even more shocking, the study also revealed that a large percentage of Americans are clueless about the reality of high-risk drinking. So, you can easily see why drunk driving and fights are so common during the holidays.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
