Why Do We Turn Everything Into a Reason to Drink?

Social gatherings, bars and dining in restaurants are off limits for Cinco de Mayo this year, but many of us still plan to celebrate in some fashion - probably with a Mexican beer or margarita in hand. Have you ever stopped to think about why we turn everything into an opportunity to drink alcohol? Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl.

How did Cinco de Mayo (which commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862) turn into a bigger celebration day in the United States than Mexico? It’s all about selling you something of course. Cinco de Mayo really took off when beer companies started sponsoring Cinco de Mayo celebrations to promote and sell beer. Is this really that different from the advertising tactics employed by Big Tobacco?

Of course no one thinks having a beer or two on Cinco de Mayo is harmful, but drinking too much alcohol – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your health.

The more you drink the higher your risk for cancer, and even one drink a day increases the risk of developing some cancers.

Recent studies show that frequent heavy drinking is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of all types of dementia, especially early onset dementia.

Let’s not forget that parents are the leading influence on their child’s decisions about alcohol. Modeling healthy behaviors now will help your kids make good decisions for themselves down the road. Let them know they don’t need to turn every holiday, celebration or gathering into a reason to drink.

Peggy