Halloween is the start of the holiday season and Metro is on alert. They say the number of DUI's increase during the holidays and they are prepared to catch people in the act.

Experts say its not just the holidays, but tough economic times are also making more people turn to addictive behaviors like drinking and drugs as a way to coupe with stress.

And because Halloween is on a Friday this year, that could mean more drunk drivers on the road as people use the holiday to relieve financial stress.

Bartenders at Decatur Packaged Liquors are getting ready for the Halloween celebration.

"The fact that this year it fell on a Friday, we think people are going to be able to come out and spend a little more time and enjoy themselves," said Roger Szepelak.

They are expecting a packed house. And at liquor stores across the valley, the bottles are flying off the shelves. That's why Metro Officers will be standing guard, making sure you're not drinking and driving.

"We have a zero tolerance for that, so if you do it, you are going to jail, no questions asked," said Metro Officer Richard Strader.

Officers will be patrolling the roads in full force and the DUI van will be on standby as they crack down on drivers breaking the rules of the road.

"This van is fully equipped to do the breath test and take the prisoner to the city or county jail," said Strader.

Candice Kidd works with Westcare. The agency helps substance abusers. She says the sagging economy can push people to addictive behavior like drinking. Kidd says financial stress coupled with a holiday weekend could become a recipe for disaster on the road.

"When times are uncertain or stressful, people have a tendency to want to escape," she said. "It's an excuse the party harder than you normally would."

Szepelak hopes people will flow into his bar to celebrate, but a busy night for him could mean an even busier one for Metro.

"We have more people killed in the United State by drunk drivers than homicide," said Officer Strader.

That's why officers are sending a strong warning for impaired drivers to stay off the roads.

Officers say impaired driving come in all shapes and forms now a days because more people are being caught driving under the influence of prescribed medications. Officers say whether meds are prescribed or not, if it impairs your driving, it's illegal and you will go to jail.