While driving under the influence (DUI) is a year-round issue, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s sees a sharp rise in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), fatal crashes increase by 130% on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and nearly 40% of deadly crashes during the last week of the year involve drunk drivers.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the spike in DUI arrests, the factors that make drinking more common during the holidays, and the unique challenges LGBTQ people face when navigating year-end celebrations.
LGBTQ affirmative alcohol treatment at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center. Call us today at (323) 464-2947.
Why Are DUI Arrests More Common During the Holidays?
The holiday season creates conditions that lead to more DUI arrests. Let’s look at what makes this time of year so risky.
Increased Alcohol Consumption
The holiday season offers countless opportunities to drink, whether it’s wine at Thanksgiving dinner, cocktails at office parties, or champagne toasts on New Year’s Eve. With so many occasions to celebrate, people often drink more frequently and in larger quantities, which can increase the risk of impaired driving.
Alcohol industry data highlights this trend, with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reporting that 25% of its annual $49 billion revenue comes from the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This surge in alcohol consumption directly contributes to a rise in DUI arrests, as more people make the risky decision to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Heightened Police Presence
Law enforcement increases patrols and sets up more DUI checkpoints during the holiday season to crack down on drunk driving. These efforts are especially noticeable during Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve, when alcohol-related incidents are most common.
The increased police presence is designed to deter people from driving under the influence and to identify impaired drivers, resulting in a higher number of DUI arrests during the holiday season.
Why Do People Drink More During the Holidays?
The holiday season brings joy for many, but it also comes with unique pressures that contribute to increased alcohol consumption. Several factors make drinking more common during this time of year, often leading to risky behaviors like driving under the influence.
Social Expectations
From office parties to family dinners, the expectation to join in on festive toasts or enjoy seasonal cocktails is high. This celebratory spirit can make it difficult to decline a drink, especially when alcohol is seen as a way to enhance the holiday spirit.
The season’s atmosphere of indulgence and cheer often encourages people to drink more than usual. Many justify having another drink with the mindset that it’s a special time of year, making overdrinking seem more acceptable. This makes alcohol-related incidents, including DUIs, much more likely during the holiday season.
As a Coping Mechanism
For many, the holidays are not always joyful. The holiday blues, often triggered by stress, financial pressure, or unmet expectations, can lead to sadness or anxiety. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and loneliness, especially for those without supportive networks, can make this time of year even harder.
Feeling isolated amidst holiday celebrations often drives people to alcohol as a coping mechanism, increasing the risk of impaired judgment and risky behaviors like driving under the influence.
Family Tension
Holiday family gatherings can be stressful, especially when strained relationships or unresolved conflicts arise. Many people turn to alcohol to cope with the emotional distress these situations create.
Unique Challenges for the LGBTQ Community During the Holidays
The holidays can be especially challenging for LGBTQ people. Family dynamics, societal pressures, and feelings of exclusion during this season can create significant emotional strain and lead to substance use.
Strained Family Dynamics
Returning to family environments during the holidays can reopen old wounds and trigger unresolved trauma for many LGBTQ people. These gatherings may involve interacting with relatives who have expressed homophobic or transphobic attitudes, creating a tense, uninviting atmosphere.
The resulting stress and emotional discomfort lead some to turn to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism.
Pressure to Conform
For many LGBTQ people, the holidays bring pressure to hide or downplay their true identity around family members who may not be supportive or accepting. This need to closet themselves can create stress and emotional discomfort during family gatherings.
The holidays also come with traditional family expectations, like a long-term relationship or having children. Those who don’t conform to these norms can feel excluded or inadequate. These challenges often push some to turn to alcohol as a way to cope.
Isolation
Some LGBTQ people are estranged from their families due to a lack of support or understanding of their identity. This often leaves them without a place to celebrate or a support system to lean on during a season that emphasizes togetherness. To deal with the resulting feelings of isolation, some may turn to alcohol or other substances, increasing the risk of harmful behaviors.
Alcohol Recovery at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center
Starting treatment during the holidays may not seem appealing, but there are many advantages. It allows you to avoid the temptations and triggers that often come with seasonal celebrations. You’ll also benefit from more personalized care, as treatment centers typically have fewer clients during this time. Most importantly, beginning your recovery now gives you a head start on building a healthier, brighter new year.
La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center’s intimate Southern California-based facility provides a welcoming and affirming environment tailored to the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTQ community.
If you’re concerned about your drinking, La Fuente is here to support you in taking the first step toward lasting change. Call us today at (323) 464-2947.
