The idea of having a couple of drinks before the Thanksgiving chaos begins is so appealing to Americans that it has become an unofficial holiday.
Known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” which occurs the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, it has become one of the busiest days of the year for bars nationwide, rivaling that of St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
One study found that bar liquor orders grew by 156% compared to the previous Wednesday.
Its popularity has grown so much that bars nationwide typically promote “Blackout Wednesday” drink specials, ticketed events or extended hours of operation.
As the name suggests, many would find themselves “blacking out” due to excessive drinking, whether it’s because they have extra time on their hands, need to get out of the house or because the holiday season isn’t their favorite time of the year.
Heavy drinking and driving have become all too common between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, so much so that Blackout Wednesday is also the start of “DUI season.”
Local police nationwide begin ramping up efforts with DUI checkpoints. In California, for example, the California Highway Patrol will activate its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period, which will run from 6:01 p.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
“Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, and our mission is to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “The well-being and safety of others starts with making good decisions behind the wheel.”
Excessive drinking also invites other health risks off the roads. Blackout drinking can lead to a lapse in memory, vomiting, seizures, depression and accidental injuries. Long-term effects include high blood pressure, heart and liver disease, stroke, mental health disorders, digestive problems and a weaker immune system, according to the CDC.
So, while it’s ok to step away from the family to blow off steam or get out of kitchen duty, alcoholic drinks aren’t the only way to relieve stress. Enjoying mocktails or non-alcoholic beers or taking advantage of ridesharing options if you do drink is always an option.
The idea of having a couple of drinks before the Thanksgiving chaos begins is so appealing to Americans that it has become an unofficial holiday. Known as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving,” which occurs the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, it has become one of the busiest days of the year for bars nationwide, rivaling that of […]
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