“I’ll Quit After the Holidays” and Other Myths That Delay Help

The holidays are a time when many people quietly realize their substance use has gotten out of control. At the same time, it is also when people are most likely to put off getting help.

“I’ll quit after the holidays” is one of the most common phrases admissions teams hear in December. It often comes from a place of fear, uncertainty or wanting to protect family plans. Unfortunately, waiting can increase risk and make things harder, not easier.

Understanding the myths that delay help can make it easier to take a safer next step.

Myth 1: “I Just Need to Get Through the Holidays”

Many people believe that once the holidays are over, things will naturally calm down and substance use will decrease. In reality, holiday stress often does not end on January first.

After the holidays, people may face:

• Emotional crashes after weeks of stress
• Financial strain from travel and spending
• Disrupted sleep and routines
• Increased isolation once celebrations end

For someone already struggling, this post-holiday period can increase cravings and withdrawal symptoms rather than reduce them.

Myth 2: “I Can Quit on My Own After the Holidays”

Another common belief is that stopping will be easier once life slows down. For people who are physically dependent on alcohol or drugs, quitting suddenly can be dangerous.

Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, tremors, insomnia, severe cravings and, in some cases, serious medical complications. Trying to quit without medical support can lead to relapse or emergency situations.

Medical detox exists to help people stop safely, not to punish them for needing help.

Myth 3: “It’s Not That Bad Compared to Other People”

Many people delay detox because they believe their situation is not serious enough. They compare themselves to others and minimize their own risk.

Addiction does not have a single look. Someone can still be working, parenting, or showing up to family events while struggling internally. If substance use feels out of control, causes fear about withdrawal or leads to repeated failed attempts to stop, that is reason enough to seek help.

You do not need to wait for things to get worse to deserve support.

Myth 4: “Detox Will Ruin the Holidays for Everyone”

It is understandable to worry about disrupting family plans or traditions. What is often overlooked is how much stress loved ones already feel when someone is struggling.

For many families, knowing their loved one is safe, medically supported and getting help brings relief, even during the holidays. Detox is not about punishment or disappearance. It is about safety and stabilization during a high-risk time.

Myth 5: “I’ll Start Fresh in the New Year”

The idea of a clean start in January is powerful, but it can also be misleading. Waiting weeks or months can allow tolerance to increase, withdrawal to worsen and risk to rise.

Starting detox before or during the holidays can actually make the new year more stable. Many people enter January clearer, safer and better prepared to continue treatment when they do not delay care.

Why Waiting Can Be Risky During the Holidays

The holidays come with increased alcohol availability, social pressure, disrupted routines and emotional triggers. Winter weather can increase isolation and make emergency help harder to access.

Overdose risk often increases during this time due to:

• Using more than usual
• Mixing substances
• Lower tolerance after periods of cutting back
• Using alone

Delaying detox during a high-risk season can lead to consequences that are harder to reverse.

What Detox During the Holidays Really Looks Like

Detox does not require having everything figured out. It focuses on:

• Medical monitoring and safety
• Managing withdrawal symptoms
• Stabilizing the body

Creating a plan for next steps

At Freedom Detox & Recovery Center in Charlotte, admissions are available 24 hours a day, including holidays and transportation support is available. Help is accessible even when everything feels urgent or overwhelming.

You Do Not Have to Decide Everything Today

Reaching out does not lock you into treatment, but it does connect you with information, options and support. Many people feel relief just having a conversation and knowing help is available.

If you are telling yourself you will quit after the holidays, it may be worth asking whether waiting is protecting you or putting you at risk.

Help Is Available When You Are Ready

At Freedom Detox & Recovery Center, we understand how easy it is to delay help during the holidays and how dangerous that delay can be. Our team is here to help you understand your options, determine whether detox is needed and access care safely.

You do not have to wait for a perfect time. Getting help now can make the rest of the season safer and the new year more stable.