Should I Wait Until the New Year to Get Sober?
When it comes to making the decision to get sober or consider seeking treatment options for a loved one, it’s common to question the “right time.” Hesitation often shows up stronger when starting a recovery journey during the holidays or end of the year. There’s often a (false) sense that getting help will be easier once the gatherings and festivities have come and gone.
The truth is that taking the first step into recovery is as hard tomorrow as it is today — the choice doesn’t get easier.
So choose your hard.
Whether it’s muscling through painful holidays or stepping into the unknowns of recovery, both paths are challenging. Starting recovery now can prevent months of suffering and prepare you for a healthier new year.
The Appeal (and Downfall) of “Waiting Until Next Year”
It’s totally understandable to contemplate the timing of a recovery journey. It might seem less disruptive or that you can give yourself more time to prepare. We hear these reasons and many more all the time.
Common reasons people give for wanting to wait until after the holidays to begin recovery:
“I’ll get sober in the New Year. New Year; New Me!”
“The holidays are too stressful; I’ll wait until they’re over.”
“I don’t want to disrupt my family’s plans.”
“People are counting on me.”
“I know I’ll upset my loved one if I approach them about getting sober too soon.”
“I’m so busy with everything right now. It’ll all slow down in the New Year.”
The list goes on and on, but at the heart of every reason is the same fear: a loss of control Attempting to negotiate with time gives folks some sense of control over something that feels out of control — even if substance or alcohol use has robbed control in some areas of their lives.
Waiting one more day, let alone until next year, to seek recovery comes with great risks. If you or a loved one are isolating with substance use every day, it gets harder to break the habit without help. And the more the substances take hold, we often see folks declining in mental and physical health. They fail to complete basic tasks and responsibilities and the pressures of the holidays only compound this. Waiting leads to an increased emotional toll on those who suffer with substance use disorder and for those who love them dearly.
Choosing Your Hard – Why Starting Now Is Worth It
Starting recovery isn’t easy, but neither is the pain of staying stuck in addiction. Choosing recovery now can be incredibly empowering. Taking the step forward creates momentum toward finding support and solutions. Facing the challenge head-on, even during a difficult season, is a commitment to a healthier, more fulfilling life. This choice to embrace recovery is hard, but it’s a hard that leads to growth and healing rather than continued suffering.
Beginning the journey during the holidays also provides a unique opportunity for early wins. With immediate support, you can start building tools to navigate holiday triggers and challenges, whether it’s managing family dynamics, dealing with social pressures, or simply finding peace in a season that’s often overwhelming. Rather than waiting for a “better” time, you’re learning resilience in real-life situations, setting a strong foundation for the months to come.
Each step taken now builds self-trust and confidence. And with each small victory, you’ll find strength that propels you forward, reminding you that, hard as it may be, recovery is worth it.
“Perfect Timing” Is a Myth
The idea of a “perfect time” to start recovery is just that—a myth. It’s always easy to find reasons to delay, whether it's holiday stress, work obligations, or family gatherings. Waiting feels safer, less disruptive, and can seem like a way to avoid the challenge of starting. But the reality is that there will always be an excuse to hold off.
While the holidays may seem particularly unmanageable, beginning recovery now could actually make this season easier. By choosing sobriety, you can reduce the guilt, shame, and stress that come with hiding substance use or struggling to maintain a façade. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by secret-keeping or strained interactions, you can focus on building honesty and connection with those around you.
Help is available now, and waiting only deepens feelings of isolation and despair. Recovery doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Starting today means having support through one of the most challenging times of the year and entering the New Year with a renewed sense of hope and strength.
There Is No Day Like Today
At JA Recovery, we understand that the journey to sobriety is deeply personal, and no one should have to face it alone. Our compassionate and non-judgmental approach allows individuals to take their first steps in a supportive and safe environment.
We offer one-on-one recovery planning and navigation, tailored to meet each individual’s needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for ongoing support, a structured recovery plan, or connections to a community, JA Recovery provides the guidance necessary for each stage of the journey. And for families, we offer resources to help loved ones understand and support the recovery process.
The best time to choose recovery is always now. Taking the first step today means you’re already on the path to change, moving toward a healthier future.
Reach out today to JA Recovery, where compassionate support awaits.
