The Madness of March
March Madness is a reference to the frenetic energy that surrounds the annual NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, which captivates millions of fans across the United States. If you haven’t filled out a bracket, you might feel a little left out this time of year as it’s all anyone seems able to talk about. So much basketball in so little time, it’s a fun and energetic time of year for college hoops.
However, as with most sporting events, March Madness comes hand in hand with consumption – particularly alcohol. In fact, there is a significant uptick in binge drinking among viewers, particularly college students. This phenomenon, often fueled by media, bar, and restaurant promoted drinking games and themed cocktails, isn’t the healthiest endorsement and poses serious public health risks that warrant closer examination.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08% or higher. This can happen when men consume five or more drinks within two hours – four or more drinks for women. Such drinking patterns are alarmingly prevalent among young adults – especially while watching the big game.
Research indicates that college sporting events, particularly the NCAA tournament, are associated with spikes in alcohol consumption among students. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that a school’s participation in the NCAA Tournament usually comes with a 30% increase in binge drinking among male students and a 9% rise in self-reported drunk driving incidents.
The promotion of themed drinking games and cocktails during March Madness exacerbates this issue. Media outlets and social platforms often share recipes for drinks like “The Slam Dunk” and “The Alley-Oop,” glamourising excessive drinking as part of the tournament experience under the guise of school spirit and celebration. The truth is this type of drinking is hazardous and can cause a lot of problems, especially for those who feel pressured to participate.
The repercussions of binge drinking extend beyond intoxication. The CDC reported that excessive alcohol use contributes to approximately 178,000 deaths annually in the United States, shortening lives by an average of 24 years. Binge drinking is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage among other health issues. Behaviorally, it is associated with an increased risk of accidents, injuries, violent behavior, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Alcohol consumption remains a significant public health concern on college campuses. The NIAAA noted that among full-time college students aged 18 to 22, 27.9% engaged in binge drinking in the past month. This behavior is often driven harder during high-profile events like March Madness where everyone runs to the bar to watch the games.
The NBER study further highlights that male students at schools participating in the NCAA tournament reported consuming approximately seven additional alcoholic beverages during the tournament period compared to their counterparts at non-participating schools. This statistic underscores the profound impact that collegiate athletic events can have on student drinking behaviors.
Educational institutions need to address the surge in binge drinking during events like March Madness by implementing comprehensive alcohol education programs that emphasize the risks associated with excessive drinking. Promoting alternative, alcohol-free events during the tournament can provide students with safer, alternative avenues to engage in school spirit.
Media outlets and influencers also have to remember the responsibility they carry with their power to reach the masses. By refraining from glorifying alcohol consumption through sponsored recipes or drinking games, they can help shift the narrative toward healthier forms of celebration. Encouraging responsible drinking behaviors and highlighting the dangers of binge drinking can encourage a cultural shift that prioritizes student well-being above all else. Establishing new traditions that do not center around alcohol can pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive collegiate experience.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression due to binge drinking, please call us at 800-604-2117. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.