(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- If you measure the stress of the holiday season by the number of people who seek treatment for addiction, this year ranks right up there.
“Our numbers this year have been much higher than they have, previously,” says Lauren Fish, the director of services at Hazelden Betty Ford Chicago.
Officials at the substance abuse treatment center say they started to see numbers go up just before Thanksgiving for people who sought in-person help.
“The triggers and the pressures that the holidays bring -- also the end of the year and the conclusion of a lot of things -- can be a big stress for people,” Fish said.
Hazelden Betty Ford Chicago quotes one study that says 56% of the people surveyed say they drink alcohol more during the holidays than at social functions at other times of the year.
At least one substance abuse treatment center in Chicago is seeing more people coming in - wanting in-person help as the year draws to a close.
“It could be because maybe family members have addressed them and have encouraged them to get help,” Fish said. “Maybe it’s an insurance issue where their deductible has been met and it makes sense financially to get help. And thinking about the new year and goals for the new year sometimes prompts people to look into help.”
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