The Rise of Alcoholism During the Holidays

Your workplace’s holiday party, New Year’s Eve, and even Thanksgiving are all holidays that include heavy alcohol consumption.

There’s a big growth in binge drinking during the holidays, with the average American doubling their alcohol consumption during the holiday season.¹  What’s contributing to this rise of drinking over the holidays and what can be done about it? At Banyan Boca, we’re here to help curb alcoholism during the holidays and year-round with alcohol detox in Boca.

What Causes the Increase in Binge Drinking During the Holidays?

  Drinking over the holidays is a common problem in communities throughout the country. 69% of Americans are more likely to overindulge during the holidays than at any other time of year, drinking far more during the holidays. ¹ Many types of disordered drinking fall under the umbrella of alcohol use disorder, including binge drinking and alcohol dependence. Drinking heavily during this time can lead to more problems, such as holiday heart syndrome and other alcohol-related health problems.

While social gatherings are one contributing factor to the increase of drinking over the holidays, the increase can also be from the stresses associated with the holidays. In addition to the regular stresses of life, the holiday season brings added pressure of year-end obligations, family gatherings, holiday shopping, and so much more. Many people turn to drink in order to cope with the stress, but alcoholism during the holidays doesn’t go away once the new year starts, it’s a long-lasting struggle that requires professional support for recovery.

Avoiding Alcohol During the Holidays

  No, you don’t have to drink during the holidays to enjoy the season. In fact, staying sober over the holidays and beyond is one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy the season. At Banyan Boca, we offer medically monitored detox in Boca to help patients get and stay sober.

If you are newly sober for the holidays, do not feed into the pressures of binge drinking during the holidays. You can enjoy the season without drinking. Instead, celebrate with others who are also sober. We also suggest staying in contact with your sponsor and alumni recovery network throughout the holidays to make staying sober easier. Drinking club soda or a mocktail during holiday gatherings that involve alcohol can help you feel less out of place.

For more guidance on getting sober or tips on staying sober over the holidays, we invite you to call on our team at Banyan Boca for support in recovery.

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Call 888-280-4763 today.

Sources:

1. Beverage Daily - Americans double their drinking during the holidays