When most people think of major drinking holidays, New Year’s Eve or St. Patrick’s Day often come to mind. However, the night before Thanksgiving—commonly referred to as “Thanksgiving Eve” or “Blackout Wednesday”—has quietly become the biggest drinking night of the year in the United States. But why is this particular night so popular for alcohol consumption?
Let’s dive into the reasons behind the rise of Thanksgiving Eve and explore some of the impacts this trend may have.
Why Is Thanksgiving Eve So Popular for Drinking?
Thanksgiving Eve has become a night when people, especially young adults, head out to bars and parties, drinking more than on any other holiday. There are a few key reasons for this growing trend:
- The Long Holiday Weekend: Most people have the following day—Thanksgiving—off from work or school. This creates the perfect opportunity for a night out without the worry of waking up early the next morning.
- Reunions with Friends: Thanksgiving is a time when people who have moved away from their hometowns return to visit family. This creates the perfect setting for reunions with high school or college friends.
- Bars and Restaurants Capitalize on the Opportunity: Many bars offer special promotions and discounts to attract crowds on Thanksgiving Eve. As a result, the night has turned into a major social event for people looking to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
The Surprising Statistics Behind Thanksgiving Eve Drinking
Thanksgiving Eve isn’t just a small bump in alcohol consumption—it’s a massive spike. According to a report from Alcohol.org, beer sales alone increase by 270% compared to an average day. Liquor sales also see a significant rise of 114%, while wine sales jump by 68%. These statistics even outpace other well-known drinking holidays like New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day.
In some cities, alcohol-related incidents such as DUIs and drunk driving accidents also increase during this time. Nationwide, the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported a sharp rise in alcohol-related accidents during this period.
The Risks of Overindulgence on Thanksgiving Eve
While catching up with friends and family over a drink is part of the holiday tradition for many, it’s important to recognize the risks that come with overindulgence.
- Increased risk of DUI: Driving under the influence is a major concern on Thanksgiving Eve, with police often ramping up sobriety checkpoints.
- Alcohol poisoning: Overconsumption can result in dangerous levels of intoxication, leading to alcohol poisoning or blackouts.
- Accidents and injuries: Falls, fights, and other accidents are more likely to occur when alcohol is involved, especially in crowded social settings.
How Denova Collaborative Health Can Help
While celebrating with friends is fun, it’s important to be mindful of alcohol use, especially if you’re prone to overconsumption or concerned about your drinking habits. If you or a loved one finds it difficult to limit drinking, Denova Collaborative Health is here to help.
We offer alcohol addiction treatment and outpatient addiction recovery in Phoenix for individuals who are ready to make a change. Our integrated approach combines psychiatric services, therapy, and in-person or virtual support to ensure you have access to comprehensive care.
Our therapists in Phoenix work closely with patients to address both the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol use. Whether you need help managing your alcohol consumption during the holidays or are seeking long-term recovery solutions, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
