Are Super Bowl Drinking Games Putting Your Health at Risk?

As the Super Bowl draws near, the anticipation isn’t just for the game but also for the accompanying parties and celebrations. For many, this means gathering with friends, indulging in snacks, and often enjoying drinks.

However, in the United States, football has become closely linked with alcohol consumption and binge drinking, with many participating in drinking games for the Super Bowl. Safer America reports that incidents of drunk driving increased by 40% on Super Bowl Sunday compared to other days, highlighting the high volume of alcohol typically consumed on this occasion.

While games like “beer pong” and “flip cup” may appear to be innocent fun, they can lead to serious health risks frequently overlooked in the spirit of celebration. Engaging in drinking games during the Super Bowl can rapidly increase alcohol intake, resulting in the side effects of alcohol abuse, which can include binge drinking, impaired judgment, and potentially harmful physical or mental health effects.

Binge drinking heightens the risk of dehydration, risky behaviors, injuries, accidents, and even alcohol poisoning, which is a critical medical situation. The dangers of excessive drinking extend beyond just the day of the event; repeated participation in such activities can lead to long-term problems, including alcohol dependency, liver damage, and a decline in overall health.

As this year’s Super Bowl approaches, it’s crucial to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and consider the potential consequences of participating in drinking games for the Super Bowl.

What Is the No. 1 Beverage Consumed During the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is a significant event for the alcohol industry, with binge drinking and overconsumption common. This event not only permits drinking but actively promotes it. For countless fans, gathering to watch the game while enjoying drinks is a cherished tradition, leading to a notable increase in beer sales in the weeks leading up to Super Bowl weekend.

In the United States, beer and football have become nearly inseparable, making beer the top choice for adult beverages during the game. Over time, beer has woven itself into the fabric of sporting events, particularly the Super Bowl. Major beer brands have historically poured substantial resources into Super Bowl commercials and sponsorships, often showcasing high-profile ads during the game, which further cements the association between beer and this iconic event.

Moreover, beer is frequently viewed as a more affordable and accessible option, enabling people to drink in larger quantities. With the average Super Bowl game lasting three to four hours and many fans starting their celebrations well in advance, the extended drinking period makes beer the go-to choice for many.

Other popular beverages on Super Bowl Sunday include wine, hard seltzers, and cocktails made with spirits. It’s common for individuals to mix various types of alcohol throughout the day, often taking shots alongside beer to bond with friends, celebrate their team’s successes, or cope with losses.

What Are the Most Popular Beer Drinking Games?

Many viewers tuning into the Super Bowl are thrilled about the game, but an equally significant number see it as a perfect opportunity to indulge in heavy drinking, which can lead to the long-term health effects of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking has surged in popularity during this event, often leading to the initiation of drinking games for the Super Bowl. These games can enhance the experience, especially for those not fully invested in the match.

Classic drinking games like beer pong, flip cup, and kings are commonly played during the Super Bowl. There are also football-themed games, such as Super Bowl Bingo, where participants create Bingo cards featuring potential game occurrences like a “Touchdown” or “Quarterback sack.” When one of these events takes place, players take a drink.

However, drinking games poses many risks for individuals, leading them to drink much more than they should in a shorter amount of time. One particularly hazardous drinking game is “Power Hour,” where participants consume a shot of beer (approximately one ounce) every minute for an entire hour. This totals around 60 ounces in just 60 minutes, equivalent to five cans of beer.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women within about two hours. The “Power Hour” game accelerates this drinking pattern, significantly increasing the risk of acute dangers such as blackouts, alcohol poisoning, and overdoses.

How Much Beer Is Drank During the Super Bowl?

According to Fintech, Americans are estimated to drink over 325 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday, equivalent to every American drinking at least ten cans of beer. This is a staggering number when you put into perspective that only a portion of the population plans to watch the Super Bowl, and not everyone will drink beer that day.

Additionally, some people may be mixing different alcoholic beverages. A healthy liver can metabolize one standard drink an hour, so when multiple beers are consumed every hour for several hours, blood alcohol levels (BAC) can compound, placing people at an increased risk for accidents, risky behaviors, and alcohol poisoning. Engaging in frequent binge drinking episodes also poses the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder or becoming dependent on alcohol.

What Is the Blackout Drinking Game?

The Blackout Drinking Game is an intense social card game where players compete to outdrink each other, aiming to make their opponents blackout by consuming three types of alcohol: beer, wine, and liquor. A blackout occurs when someone drinks excessively, leading to a loss of memory and control, which can signal dangerous levels of intoxication.

While there are numerous variations of the game, the core idea typically involves players taking turns downing shots or large quantities of alcohol according to certain rules or challenges. The objective is to avoid blacking out, yet players often find themselves pushing their limits.

This game poses significant risks due to the high volume of alcohol consumed. Alcohol can severely impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. During gameplay, individuals may make reckless choices, engage in hazardous activities, and potentially harm themselves or others as a result of their intoxication.

Furthermore, binge drinking at such levels can lead to severe dehydration, liver damage, and even alcohol poisoning, which is a critical medical condition. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing, and unconsciousness, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.

Drinking Games for Super Bowl: Be Aware of the Risks and Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction at Resurgence Behavioral Health Today

While drinking games for the Super Bowl can seem like a fun and harmless tradition, it is important to remember the risks associated with heavy drinking are very real. The physical and mental health effects of excessive alcohol consumption can leave lasting consequences long after the game is over. If you notice that drinking games are becoming a frequent occurrence in your life or if you’re having difficulty managing your alcohol consumption, it might be time to consider seeking assistance.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we recognize the serious implications of addiction and the importance of addressing it with appropriate support. Taking the step to reach out for professional help can be the beginning of reclaiming your life from alcohol. Our programs are tailored to meet you at your current stage in the recovery process, offering evidence-based therapies that truly resonate with you.

Don’t let drinking games for the Super Bowl become a harmful pattern that jeopardizes your future. Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to discover how alcohol abuse treatment can guide you toward a healthier path.

External Source

• Safer America – Drunk Driving on Super Bowl Sunday: What to Know
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Understanding Binge Drinking
• Fintech – Super Bowl Beer Stats You Absolutely Must Know

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial