Dec 27, 2011 -- A recent study looked at the drinking patterns of more than 200,000 criminal offenders who were monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week for their alcohol consumption.

Even with legal consequences abounding, the Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc., study found that drinking increases nearly 27 percent between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

Those looking at legal consequences for their drinking are not the only ones faced with the pressures -- and the pleasures -- of the holiday season, so say experts at Lighthouse Network, an addiction and mental health referral program that also provides the Lighthouse Addiction Helpline, a free, 24-hour counseling helpline.

"Simply the availability of alcohol at the holidays is a greater temptation for some, especially those with addictive personalities," says Lighthouse Network's founder and executive director psychiatrist Karl Benzio, M.D. "For others, the stress of the holidays, including family and financial woes, can lead to increased drinking or other drug use. Before drinking reaches an out-of-control level, it's important for these individuals, or concerned family members, to seek help."

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that two to three times more people are killed by drunk drivers during the holidays than any other time during the year.

And, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, 75 percent of cases of domestic violence involve an offender who was drunk at the time of the offense.

Lighthouse Network is a Christian-based addiction and mental health social service agency guiding struggling people through storms to find peace. Lighthouse finds answers for people who have a hard time defining their particular problem and who also have difficulty finding the right answers from other sources.

Many discover the Lighthouse Addiction Helpline after searching through other options that may not be a fit, and many are encouraged as Lighthouse Network finds life-changing treatment that altogether addresses spirit, mind and body, concerning addiction or psychiatric issues.

Lighthouse Network offers help through two main service choices:

Lighthouse Addiction Helpline, a 24-hour, free, national crisis call center where specialists (Care Guides) help callers understand and access customized treatment options.

Life Growth and self-help training resources for daily life, including online and DVD series and training events to help individuals achieve their potential.

For more information on Lighthouse Network, visit www.LighthouseNetwork.org or call toll-free 877-562-2565.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.times-herald.com