There is little evidence that depression or suicide rates rise during the holidays, but the season is certainly known for its excesses. Although just as many people (if not more) need help for drug and alcohol addiction, fewer people reach out for treatment in the last couple months of the year. Addicts generally object to being away from home during family gatherings at Thanksgiving or Christmas, but for some families, seeking help during the holidays could be the greatest gift you give this year. Here are a few ironies that keep addicts sick over the holidays:

#1 Drug use is more common yet people are less likely to get help.

Even in the face of serious consequences, some addicts put off getting help so that they can get through the holiday festivities without disappearing off to rehab. Some party even harder around the holidays, flying under the radar of loved ones because it is socially acceptable to overdo the celebrating. Unfortunately, the stress of the season can exacerbate substance abuse, leaving an addict spiraling out of control.

The day before Thanksgiving, described in the media as Black Wednesday, is one of the biggest partying nights of the year, with the National Health Institute estimating that 10.8 million underage drinkers binge that day. According to Nielsen reports, alcohol consumption increases dramatically in December and in the week leading up to the New Year. All of this alcohol fuels as much as a 25 percent increase in alcohol-related traffic incidents, prompting President Barack Obama to declare December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

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