Crisis centers see spike in patients around the holidays

PHOENIX — Crisis centers for substance abuse are reporting increases in intakes during the holiday season, especially among younger adults.

Ten years ago in downtown Phoenix, “We would actually see a decrease in our occupancy, a decrease in our clients coming in to receive services,” said Christopher Riley, compliance officer with The Crossroads recovery centers.

He adds his group’s 408 beds are full year-round because of the opioid crisis, stemming from prescriptions or thefts of painkillers, which can lead to illegal drug abuse.

Stressful family gatherings have prompted people to relapse and seek help during the holidays.

“Maybe they’ve had a relationship end, or a family member that they’re going to be spending the holidays without for the first time, so you do get a lot of people that are abusing,” Riley said.

The median age at The Crossroads used to be 30 years old.

“Today, we have 18-year-old, 19-year-old men and women at our doorstep every day,” Riley said.

“Drug addiction is now such a — I hate to say it — common thing, almost a 365-day-a-year opportunity for people to get help.”

Riley says The Crossroads and other centers welcome patients and coordinate treatment options any day of the year.

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