Binge drinking and St. Patrick's Day:

For me, a former binge drinker, they went hand in hand, wrapped in vibrant green camouflage where my excess felt 'normal'. An excuse to let loose, where blending in was easy because everyone's doing it.

But is it all just harmless fun? Let's uncover the truth behind the green. 🍀🚫

A Closer Look at the Costs
Before we dive deeper, let's pause and consider the numbers. In America, beer sales increase by about 174% on St. Patrick's Day, and the average person spends over $42 to $52 on drinks alone. Around the world, about 13 million pints of Guinness find their way into celebratory hands. These figures highlight not just a cultural phenomenon but also the significant economic and health impacts of this day.

Can you relate?
Are some of you counting down to St. Patrick's Day because it feels like your hall pass to drink all you want... and more? I've been there. I get it. But let's really break it down together. What's behind this 'green light' for binge drinking? Let's dive into the heart of it.

The Morning After Blues (or Greens):
You know the drill. You wake up the day after St. Paddy's, and it feels like your head's been used as a drum in a marching band. The room spins as you promise God and the universe you'll never drink again—until next year, or, let's be honest, at least the next weekend. Those hangovers are no joke; they're your body's SOS signal after a day of going overboard with the festivities.

Ugh, Did I Really Do That?
Ah, the tales of drunken escapades. It might seem funny at first, recounting how you tried to start a conga line in a quiet pub or mistook a closet for the bathroom. But the laughter fades when you consider the darker side: accidents, injuries, or worse. Every year, countless folks end up in situations that are no laughing matter, all thanks to a night of unchecked revelry.

The Emotional Rollercoaster:
Ever noticed how the day after drinking, your emotions are on a wild ride? One minute you're laughing at a meme, and the next, you're crying into your cereal. Alcohol messes with your brain's chemistry, making those post-binge blues hit harder than you'd expect. It's like a joyride where you didn't buckle up—thrilling until you hit the brakes.

Feeling Rough Inside and Out:
Let's talk about what's happening on the inside. Your liver's in overdrive, your stomach's rebelling, and you're Googling "can you die from a hangover" for the umpteenth time. Binge drinking isn't just a rough morning after; it's a full-on assault on your body, with consequences that can last far beyond the initial fun.

"Did I Really Say That?" Moments:
We've all been there: the drunk dialing, the over-sharing, the "harmless" flirting that seemed like a good idea at the time. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, sure, but it also lowers your ability to gauge when you've gone too far. Waking up to the fallout of those decisions is like trying to piece together a puzzle with half the pieces missing.

Looking Beyond the Green:
As the confetti settles and the last echoes of "your Irish (bloodshot) eyes are smiling" fade away, it's worth taking a moment to reflect not just on St. Patrick's Day, but on binge drinking in general. What are we really celebrating with our excessive drinking? Is it the spirit of Ireland and its patron saint, or the spirit in our glasses? The answer might just change how you see St. Patrick's Day—and how you approach weekends in general.

If you're looking to break the cycle of binge drinking on the weekends, I've got something for you. Check out my free Alcohol-Free Weekend Toolkit. Click the link: https://www.soberfitchick.com/afw-optin

It comes with a preparation checklist, personal coaching videos with me, Coach Maureen, and a mini workbook designed to support your journey towards a healthier, more mindful weekend. Change can start with just ONE alcohol free weekend!