Living tucked away in the cozy town of Spearfish, S.D., where the closest Target is an hour drive, and numerous dirt roads lead nowhere. Individuals of all ages tend to go a bit stir-crazy. Looking for something to occupy their time, the enticing neon lights and charismatic hum of drunken rambles seem to be a satisfactory use of fleeting hours.

Some people are in search of distraction, others escapism and some are simply seeking connection after the devastating isolation of COVID-19, while using alcohol as a lubricant for socialization. COVID affected the way people see the world, their outlook on the importance of socialization and connection. Drinking has been around for basically ever. Alcohol is known for improving social interaction, increasing confidence and boldness. Alcohol has become deeply interwoven into society’s customs around socializing, from weddings to holidays, alcohol is

usually invited to the party. Even though numerous studies show Gen-Z is slowly killing bar culture, in 2025, S.D. still reports having the third-highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the nation, nearly triple the US average, according to the South Dakota Department of Health

(SDDH). The SDDH also reported that in 2022, 21% of adults engaged in binge drinking.

Being one of the least populated states, yet having such a high rate of alcoholism and lives taken from alcohol, didn’t quite sit right with me. So, I found myself asking, why do people drink while knowing the harmful effects? More specifically, why do individuals in the Midwest drink at such disproportionate rates to other regions? My guess? We’re bored. We’re under-

stimulated. Oh, and we’re cold. S.D. is known for having harsh, intense, and what seems like never-ending winters. This could contribute to the higher rate of binge-drinking. As people are lacking vitamin D and summer festivities, many people seek human connection to get through

these cold months. They call it cuddle season for a reason. The majority of activities in Spearfishare centered around warmer temperatures. I surely don’t enjoy hiking when it’s 15 degrees outside. While Spearfish does offer a variety of community activities, including Frick’s Arcade and scenic hiking trails, not all are equally appealing or accessible to everyone.

“We have no 24-hour locations, and if you want to do something at night, it’s just bars,” said a 21- year-old Spearfish resident who wished to stay anonymous.

Expressing a preference for nighttime activities, they mentioned the diverse music scene in Rapid City, S.D. and how overall they have a wider range of socialization opportunities and entertainment; Spearfish desperately needs more activities for the younger generations. The Spearfish resident said they spend up to seven days a week at the bar, often not even drinking, purely to people-watch and connect with friends. Enjoying the comfort of seeing the same faces on the same days, becoming friends with bartenders and creating a sense of a makeshift family. The bar becomes part of people’s routines, seeing it as an accessible and acceptable way to socialize.

“Looking at it [drinking] historically, it really always has been [a cultural aspect] since even before the Prohibition period,” the Spearfish resident said.

They discussed how drinking has become a societal norm, even to the point that they’ve received ridicule from others for opting out of drinking. 

Abstaining from alcohol, literal poison, is seen as abnormal to society. The resident discussed their knowledge of history around drinking and how, even if it were to be regulated, people would do it anyway.

“Do I love drinking? No. Do I think it’s harmful? Yes, but it’s a culture, a way for people to connect on a rawer level,” said Isaiah Clift, manager of False Bottom bar. 

Living here since he was 17, recalling his youth of an empty field and a 30-pack of Busch Light on a Thursday night in the 90s. Living in a small town often leaves people feeling isolated, and alcohol is a social outlet to bring people together.

“People really just can’t afford to go out and drink anymore. Back in the day, twenty dollars could get our whole friend group wasted; now that’s maybe three drinks,” Clift said.

Humans have been waking up to the detrimental effects of treating our bodies poorly and what we consume, becoming conscious of microplastics and bioengineered food products. Yet, many continue to knowingly poison themselves. We don’t need alcohol to socialize. To be more outgoing, wild, honest, interesting, fun or anything the world might think alcohol enhances about

humans. All those qualities already exist in us; alcohol just quiets the little voice in our heads saying they don’t. Real connection doesn’t come from sticky shoes and Sunday’s hangxiety. People deserve to see the real you, the one not blurred by flashing lights on a Saturday night. Now, don’t get me wrong, we can still have a connection under the influence of alcohol, but it’s not needed.