Blackout Wednesday (also called Drinksgiving) refers to the night before Thanksgiving—traditionally one of the biggest binge drinking nights of the year. The term comes from drinking until “blacking out” (losing memory due to alcohol intoxication).

Blackout Wednesday Statistics

Blackout Wednesday Drunk Driving Deaths

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) reports that the Thanksgiving holiday produces more drunk driving fatalities than Christmas. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an average of 118.4 people die in car crashes during Independence Day weekend—but Thanksgiving week sees comparable devastation spread across more days.

Between 2017-2021, 137 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve were impaired. The danger extends beyond tonight: alcohol-related incidents spike throughout the entire Thanksgiving weekend.

Blackout Wednesday kicks off the most dangerous drinking period of the year. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, Americans consume significantly more alcohol than any other time—with serious consequences.

Why Holiday Drinking Spikes

• Family stress: 38% of Americans report increased stress during holidays (American Psychological Association)
• Social pressure: Parties, toasts, and “holiday cheer” normalize excessive drinking
• Trauma triggers: Family dynamics resurface old wounds, leading to self-medication
• Over-commitment: Packed schedules leave no time for self-care or recovery practices
• Financial strain: Gift-buying stress is a known relapse trigger
• Travel anxiety: Airports and long drives create opportunities for airport bar drinking

Signs Holiday Drinking Has Become a Problem

How do you know if holiday drinking has crossed from celebration into alcohol use disorder? Warning signs include:

• Needing alcohol to cope with family gatherings
• Drinking alone before events to “take the edge off”
• Rationalizing excessive consumption (“It’s the holidays!”)
• Experiencing blackouts or memory loss
• Others expressing concern about your drinking
• Feeling unable to enjoy celebrations without alcohol
• Drinking more to achieve the same effect (tolerance)

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It works by mimicking hormones that regulate blood sugar, appetite, and feelings of fullness. Prescriptions for Ozempic and similar drugs (Wegovy, Mounjaro) have skyrocketed—and patients began reporting an unexpected side effect: reduced desire to drink alcohol.

The Science: How Ozempic May Reduce Alcohol Cravings

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic appear to affect the brain’s reward pathways—the same dopamine-driven circuits involved in addiction. According to Stanford psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke, these medications may help by:

• Reducing dopamine firing in reward pathways
• Decreasing cravings for addictive substances
• Turning down “food noise” in the brain—which may extend to alcohol cravings
• Helping patients feel satisfied with less

Clinical Trial Results (February 2025)

The first randomized controlled trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, studied 48 adults with alcohol use disorder:

Lead researcher Dr. Christian Hendershot (USC Institute for Addiction Science) noted: “What I didn’t expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications.”

Real-World Reports

Beyond clinical trials, real-world data is compelling. A study of 1.3 million health records found that people with alcohol use disorder who also had Ozempic prescriptions showed:

• 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication
• 40% lower rate of opioid overdose

The Treatment Gap: Why This Matters

Despite affecting nearly 29 million Americans, alcohol use disorder is severely undertreated:

• Only 7.9% of people with AUD receive any treatment
• Less than 2% take FDA-approved medications for AUD
• Current medications (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram) are underutilized
• Stigma prevents many from seeking help

If GLP-1 drugs prove effective, their popularity could help normalize addiction treatment and close this gap.

Whether you’re concerned about tonight’s Blackout Wednesday drinking, struggling through the holidays, or ready to address a longer-term alcohol problem, help is available in Charlotte, NC.

Tips for Staying Safe Tonight

• Designate a sober driver before going out
• Use rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) liberally
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Eat before and while drinking
• Set a drink limit and stick to it
• Check in with friends—don’t let anyone drive impaired
• Know your limits—women metabolize alcohol slower than men

Having the Conversation

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s drinking this holiday season, addiction experts recommend:

• Share observations, not accusations: “I noticed you seemed really out of it last night” vs. “You always drink too much”
• Ask open-ended questions: “Have you felt overwhelmed lately?” or “Do you feel in control when you’re drinking?”
• Offer support: Let them know they’re not alone and help is available
• Avoid holiday timing: Wait until after the celebration to have serious conversations

When It’s Time for Professional Help

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition—not a moral failing. Signs that professional treatment is needed include:

• Inability to cut back despite wanting to
• Drinking is causing problems at work, home, or in relationships
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, anxiety, sweating) when not drinking
• Increasing tolerance—needing more alcohol to feel effects
• Continuing despite health problems
• Drinking alone or in secret