US Sees Spike in 'Drinksgiving' Trend on Thanksgiving Eve, Experts Warn of 'Rampant Drinking Culture'
As Americans gear up for a festive Thanksgiving weekend, many are flocking to bars to blow off steam and reconnect with old friends. The pre-Thanksgiving night tradition, often referred to as "Blackout Wednesday" or "drinksgiving," has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Data from BeerBoard, a company that tracks over $1 billion in alcohol sales, reveals that spirit sales increased by 39.6% on Thanksgiving Eve last year compared to the previous year. Tequila was among the top spirits driving this surge, accounting for a significant portion of the growth.
The trend is attributed to people seeking emotional release and nostalgia before embarking on a holiday weekend filled with family gatherings and celebrations. According to Jonathan Alpert, a New York City-based psychotherapist, Thanksgiving Eve often "blends nostalgia with emotional release." As individuals reconnect with friends from their past, they may rely on alcohol as a shortcut to feeling relaxed and bonded.
However, experts warn that this trend can have negative consequences, such as exacerbating family tensions and stress. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist based in Beverly Hills, California, suggests that the heightened anxiety and tension among families due to politics may contribute to the spike in drinking on Thanksgiving Eve.
Drinking too heavily on Thanksgiving Day can worsen these tensions, according to experts. Alpert advises people to set limits, eat beforehand, and alternate drinks with water to prevent a festive tradition from turning into an emotional hangover the next day. He also emphasizes the importance of staying connected with emotions before making decisions about drinking.
In essence, while some Americans may see "drinksgiving" as a way to ease anxiety and celebrate, experts caution that excessive drinking can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and families alike.
As Americans gear up for a festive Thanksgiving weekend, many are flocking to bars to blow off steam and reconnect with old friends. The pre-Thanksgiving night tradition, often referred to as "Blackout Wednesday" or "drinksgiving," has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Data from BeerBoard, a company that tracks over $1 billion in alcohol sales, reveals that spirit sales increased by 39.6% on Thanksgiving Eve last year compared to the previous year. Tequila was among the top spirits driving this surge, accounting for a significant portion of the growth.
The trend is attributed to people seeking emotional release and nostalgia before embarking on a holiday weekend filled with family gatherings and celebrations. According to Jonathan Alpert, a New York City-based psychotherapist, Thanksgiving Eve often "blends nostalgia with emotional release." As individuals reconnect with friends from their past, they may rely on alcohol as a shortcut to feeling relaxed and bonded.
However, experts warn that this trend can have negative consequences, such as exacerbating family tensions and stress. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist based in Beverly Hills, California, suggests that the heightened anxiety and tension among families due to politics may contribute to the spike in drinking on Thanksgiving Eve.
Drinking too heavily on Thanksgiving Day can worsen these tensions, according to experts. Alpert advises people to set limits, eat beforehand, and alternate drinks with water to prevent a festive tradition from turning into an emotional hangover the next day. He also emphasizes the importance of staying connected with emotions before making decisions about drinking.
In essence, while some Americans may see "drinksgiving" as a way to ease anxiety and celebrate, experts caution that excessive drinking can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and families alike.
. I get it, it's a time for people to unwind with friends and family, but the idea of relying on booze to cope with stress and nostalgia feels like a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, think about how much pressure there is around Thanksgiving - all those expectations, traditions, and, let's be real, politics 
. It's no wonder some people are turning to drink as an easy way out.
. Can't we just find a middle ground here? Like, maybe having a glass of wine (or sparkling cider) to toast the holiday, but not overdoing it? Or planning some fun activities that bring everyone together, like games or volunteering 
?
Let's focus on creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere around Thanksgiving, rather than just trying to avoid our emotions through booze 
.
i mean, we're all tryin to relax n reconnect w/ old friends, but booze is just gonna make us act stupid n regretful later 
and don't even get me started on the fam drama it's just gonna make things worse 
gotta set limits n prioritize self care, ya know? 
! Don't wanna be that person who turns Thanksgiving into a bad memory 
. And don't even get me started on how it'll affect those with anxiety issues – just what we need, more booze-induced meltdowns 
. Can't people just find healthier ways to unwind? 
The more I think about it, the less I want to go out and party on Turkey Day. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather stick to some good ol' fashioned board games or cooking with the fam. 
. Drinking just 'cause it's Thanksgiving doesn't make it a good idea, you know? It's like, yeah, we wanna catch up with friends and family, but let's not forget to pace ourselves, okay? I'm all for having a drink or two, but when does it become too much? 
. We'll also be planning ahead with plenty of food and activities so they don't feel the need to hit the bars.
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. Newsflash: drinking is not the answer, folks! It's just gonna make you more anxious and stressed on the actual holiday 
. They're already worried 'bout family drama, politics, etc... do they really need booze to get through that? 
. My friends who have been to some of these gatherings are always talking about how stressful it can get, especially with family tensions running high 
️ I'm all for letting loose and having fun, but let's please make sure we're not sacrificing our well-being in the process 
. We need to promote healthy habits and coping mechanisms, not just rely on temporary fixes.
. My friend who always drinks too much says she'll try setting limits next time, but... what if that's the problem?