March Madness has become an iconic event that takes place annually. Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the March Madness tournament and cheer on their favorite teams. As part of the festivities, many people also consume alcohol and even have special drinks. But why is it that drinking is so socially accepted at this time?
Basketball fans enjoy their drinks a bit too much during March Madness celebrations.
To start, it’s essential to recognize the historical context behind drinking during March Madness. Since its inception in 1939, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament has been associated with celebrating springtime and new beginnings. This season of renewal and rebirth often comes with joy and freedom – two emotions closely linked to drinking culture. As such, it is no surprise that many people choose to drink during this time to commemorate the occasion.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol has become an integral part of sports culture worldwide, particularly basketball. With its ability to boost morale and provide a sense of camaraderie among viewers, it’s easy to see why alcohol consumption has become so closely associated with watching sporting events like March Madness.
Furthermore, research from various studies has suggested that moderate amounts of alcohol can benefit athletic performance when consumed responsibly by adults over 21 years old (DeVore & Schulkin 2016). This means that for those who choose to drink during March Madness, their viewing experience and physical health may have a positive impact. Remember, this does not apply to those having a substance use disorder; if drinking is a problem for you or a loved one, this fun time might not be fun for those around you, and it might be a good time to reach out for professional help to see if it’s an excellent time to get help.
Finally, it is vital to remember that social drinking is a tradition for many cultures worldwide (Krishnan & Kaur 2013). This includes college-aged individuals who often view social drinking as an expected part of participating in celebrations like March Madness (Gruenewald et al. 2009). Thus, by joining in on these traditions and social norms – while constantly consuming responsibly – we can enjoy the excitement and fun of this collegiate basketball tournament without compromising our safety or well-being. The keyword here is responsibly, so if your drinking is affecting your health, work, or loved ones, as we mentioned, it’s always a good time to contact a recovery professional to see if it’s worth getting help from a therapeutic standpoint or if out of control consider detox or rehab.
In summary, there are many reasons why alcohol consumption is so socially accepted during March Madness each year. From its historical context and ties to sports culture to its potential health benefits when consumed responsibly – drinking is an integral part of celebrating this iconic event for many individuals worldwide. Substance use disorder affects many in the United States, so keep an eye out to share with a loved one empathetically to consider asking for help. It’s not uncommon for other substances like poppers to be mixed at the party, so just because others are doing them doesn’t mean it might not harm your health. Enjoy your basketball and have awareness; you might also save a life by referring someone for help.
By Jace A.
