Addiction at Christmas: why it's the hardest time of the year
Christmas is almost upon us, traditionally a time of good cheer for us all. But it's not like that for a lot of people, particularly those of us with addictions to alcohol or drugs.
New findings published today show men who are dependent on either are far more likely to be involved in domestic abuse than others.
The study which involved a team of international experts says the situation could be improved with better treatment services.
ITV Border spoke to Richard Cason at the Cumbria alcohol and drug advisory service (CADAS) who told us why this is a particularly stressful time for addicts. He said: "It can be hellish. It can be very overwhelming, because it's in their face 24/7. It's just everywhere. How the model family is, how it's broadcast on TV, the whole perfect family thing, and of course it's not real.
"There's the alcohol advertising as well, and the five major supermarkets now have just got it as soon as you walk through the front door.
"It's just everywhere. And it's at its most cheapest and it's so easy to get because now they're open 24 hours a day. There's no respite over Christmas for people that are struggling."
Helplines:
Related articles: