The Salvation Army says there's been a 22% increase this year in the number of people seeking help from its addiction services.
It says the Christmas and New Year period motivates more addicts to seek help themselves, rather than being pushed to do so by family members, and this increases the likelihood of success.
The Salvation Army says the problem of drug and alcohol use is highlighted at this time of year, because more of these substances are available and there's increased stress.
It says people are often confronted in the festive season by the cost of their addictions both in monetary terms, and to their health and families.
