YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - Many people are heading to a Christmas party with friends, family or even co-workers this week.

Alcohol may be at those parties, but mental health professionals are warning to drink responsibly or asking people to avoid alcohol over the holidays.

For many, this time of year is spent thinking about how to better their health in the new year. Experts say there are plenty of health benefits to eliminating alcohol, even if a person doesn't consume it often.

For the average social drinker, alcohol may be worsening pre-existing health conditions.

"Particularly for those people that may already have some health problems, whether they have diabetes or cardiovascular, blood pressure, heart -- things like that. Those can worsen some of those situations," said Keith Hochadel, chief clinical officer at Meridian Healthcare.

Hochadel said about one in seven people struggle with substance abuse disorder, whether that is alcohol or other drugs. He said many people across the Valley are in alcohol recovery and holidays can make it difficult, but there are options.

"We're very fortunate we have a significant, significant amount of 12-step recovery meetings. We have lots of cool places like Meridian Healthcare, where you can go and get help," he said.

For those who still plan on having a drink this holiday, Hochadel urges them to plan accordingly, use ride-share apps, or coordinate a designated driver ahead of time.

"Kind of have a plan in case you drink more than you anticipate because I think it's important to remember that while somebody may not feel intoxicated, if they've had one drink and they get pulled over for any reason, it's out of their hands," he said,

With Christmas and the New Year approaching, more state troopers will be patrolling the roads to keep everyone safe this holiday season.