The Madness of March Madness Alcohol Consumption
It is no secret that copious amounts of alcohol are consumed during one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. Students and fans come together to attend tailgate parties, house or bar gatherings, or post-game celebrations.
There is a single-minded goal, to have a drink.
There are significant risks associated with binge drinking or excessive alcohol use. While the tournament positively affects every school involved, it can expose students and fans to the negative influence of excessive alcohol consumption.
Fortunately, there are practical ways to avoid the madness of alcohol consumption, stay sober, or participate responsibly.
Firstly, if you know someone struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, it is vital to get them help. Addictions worsen when early intervention is avoided.
“We generally see a lack of awareness and preventative information available to younger adults about binge drinking,” said Marcel Gemme of Addicted.org. “Excessive alcohol use is most common among men and younger adults aged 18 to 34.”
Whether someone is in recovery from addiction, choosing sobriety, or consuming alcohol responsibly, it is challenging when surrounded by excess alcohol. There are practical ways to avoid the pitfalls of a drunken March Madness.
Suppose you are a casual drinker of legal age. In that case, stick to one or two alcoholic beverages during the game. Drink water between drinks and have a full meal to avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Avoid drinking games and binge drinking atmospheres. Finally, even if you do not feel intoxicated, do not drive.
In contrast, if you are in recovery from addiction or choosing sobriety during this time, have a plan to avoid any potential relapse.
Begin with identifying individual relapse triggers such as people, places, bars, environments, or groups. Set clear boundaries and limitations for yourself. Manage the negative emotions these triggers create and have a healthy outlet.
Bring non-alcoholic drinks and go with other sober like-minded people if you are attending celebrations. Attend the event with an exit strategy if things become too much to manage. Ask for help or attend a support meeting. Be prepared if you are worried about your sobriety.
There are significant dangers associated with excessive alcohol use. Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that increases blood alcohol concentration. Generally, among men, this is five or more drinks within two hours, and for women, four or more drinks in two hours.
Binge drinking exposes people to alcohol poisoning, suicide attempts, health problems, injuries, unsafe sexual behavior, driving under the influence, sexual assault, assault, and even death. These are the cataclysmic consequences of binge drinking.
March Madness showcases some of the best basketball talents in the nation. However, participating in the fun should not cost your health or future. Make responsible choices, ask for help, and be aware of the risks associated with excessive alcohol use.
