5 Reasons You Should Not Wait to Go to Rehab This Holiday Season

You may be wondering if your addiction is bad enough to get professional help or if you can just get sober on your own. Maybe you think you need to hit rock-bottom before reaching out for help, or perhaps you know you should go to rehab, but want to wait until after the holidays. No matter what your reasoning for delaying treatment is, know that when it comes to addiction treatment, sooner is always better.

Here are five reasons why you should not wait to go to rehab:

1. The timing is right

Lots of people take time off during the holidays, which means this could be the perfect time for you to step away from your daily responsibilities and focus on getting better. If you’re in school, winter break allows you to get the treatment you need without interrupting your studies. If you work, you’ll likely have an easier time asking for time off in December, as companies expect that employees will go on vacation during this time of the year. And if you’re not comfortable letting everyone know you’re seeking help, then a holiday getaway can serve as the perfect excuse for your temporary absence.

2. It’s the perfect gift

Spending the holidays surrounded by loved ones is the best part of the season, but if you are struggling with addiction, you won’t be in the right frame of mind to enjoy what’s happening around you. Additionally, your loved ones will spend the happiest time of the year worried about you. While you may not want to be apart from your friends and family, getting help is the best gift you can give them and yourself. Going to rehab could be the first step to reclaiming your life and repairing any relationships affected by your addiction.

3. It’s taking a toll on your body

You may think that there is no harm in waiting to get help, but drugs and alcohol take a tremendous toll on your body, and you never know when irreparable harm will occur. The only way to avoid more damage to your mind and body is by discontinuing use. Quitting drugs or alcohol without supervision is not only dangerous but deadly, which is why going away to treatment is the best way to ensure that you will be safe.

4. Waiting could kill you

Every time you use drugs or drink alcohol, you are playing Russian roulette with your life. No matter how long you’ve been drinking or using, there is no way for you to know what dosage could lead to an overdose. And with the increase in fentanyl-laced drugs, the possibility of you experiencing an overdose is higher than ever. But an overdose is not the only possible consequence. Because being under the influence impairs your judgment and lowers inhibitions, you are likely to engage in dangerous activities, such as driving while drunk or high. This could not only land you in jail but also ended up killing you or someone else. The more you wait to get help, the more likely it is that addiction could end your life. Don’t take that gamble.

5. There is no better way to start the new year

You can reinvent yourself whenever you’d like, but what better way to start a new year than by deciding to change your life. Start 2020 with something to celebrate: your sobriety. Remember, today is the start of the rest of your life. While getting sober may seem like an impossible challenge right now, know that you will never regret the decision to get help. Just imagine how incredibly proud of yourself you will be this time next year if you decide to get help today.