New Year's Eve parties are the devil for people who are struggling with an addiction.

"That belief that everyone should go out and celebrate and, of course, most celebrating involves alcohol, and so I do believe that it's a definite time of relapse for a lot of people," says Wausau Health Services Director Deborah Piskoty.

So the best thing to so is stay away from those types of parties, but for many people that's easier said than done.

If you know you have a problem and you know you are going to be in a tempting situation or party, Piskoty says bring a sober friend along.

"By having that sober friend and having a pact ahead of time, saying, 'If I need to leave or if i feel uncomfortable, I might be having cravings, please help me leave right away," Piskoty says.

The support of family and friends in an alcohol and drug free environment is the best thing to help people through this time of year.

And if someone you know does fall off the wagon this New Year's, you should show your concern and be supportive of them getting help.

"Because there is a lot of shame and guilt involved with addictions weather it be walking through the door the first time, or if it's
relapse, people feel a lot of guilt about that," Piskoty says.

And Piskoty says there is no better New Year's resolution than pledging to be clean and sober.

"i just think it's the beginning of the rest of your life, and what a wonderful way to start the New Year," she says. "Get some
treatment."

If you or anyone you know is struggling this holiday season, call 1-800-454-8966, to help get the treatment or counseling needed.