This Might Be the Year You Do It Differently

If you’re here, reading this, odds are you’re not feeling cheerful. You’re probably thinking about going to detox—and wondering what it would mean to do that right before the holidays.

Maybe the idea of missing Christmas or New Year’s feels unbearable. Maybe you’re scared your family will be disappointed. Maybe you’re not even sure you’ll be able to follow through.

I’ve been there.

The holidays have a way of making everything louder—memories, shame, grief, the pressure to pretend you’re okay.

But here’s something most people won’t tell you: you’re allowed to stop pretending. Especially now. Especially if the thought of getting through another holiday season high, drunk, or hungover fills you with dread.

So let’s walk through this—honestly. What detox before the holidays really means, why it might be exactly what you need, and how to do it in a way that supports your healing.

Why the Holidays Can Trigger Relapses

Even if you’ve made progress this year—even if you’ve had moments of clarity—the holidays can pull you backward fast.

Why? Because they carry weight. For some, it’s family conflict or grief. For others, it’s the pressure to show up “normal” when everything inside feels broken. And for many, it’s simply tradition: drinking to get through awkward conversations, using to survive loneliness, numbing out because the season never brought the magic it promised.

You might feel:

• Like you’re supposed to hold it together for other people
• Ashamed of how much you’re already using to cope
• Exhausted by the mental math of trying to control your intake
• Terrified that this season could be your last

These are not feelings you should have to carry alone. And they’re not signs of failure—they’re signs that something needs to change.

The Myth of “Just Waiting Until January”

A lot of us tell ourselves, “I’ll detox after the holidays. I’ll make it through, then get serious.”

Here’s what usually happens:

• The stress of the season leads to more intense use
• You make promises to yourself and break them
• You start the New Year deeper in shame, not recovery
• You lose momentum—and sometimes, you lose the chance to detox safely

The idea of waiting sounds logical. But addiction doesn’t run on a calendar. It doesn’t take time off. And neither should your healing.

You don’t need a new year. You need a new chance.

Signs You’re Ready—Even If You’re Not Sure

No one feels “ready” to walk into detox. You don’t need to be brave, confident, or certain. You just need to be honest with yourself.

Here’s how you might know it’s time:

• You’ve caught yourself saying “I’ll quit after the holidays” more than once
• You’re afraid of how much you’ve increased your use lately
• You feel numb, disconnected, or overwhelmed most days
• You’re scared to tell anyone how bad it’s gotten
• Part of you is hoping someone will step in and stop the cycle

If any of that sounds familiar, you are not alone. And you are not broken.

You might not feel ready—but you are worthy of support.

Packing and Planning When Emotions Run High

Getting ready for detox isn’t just about packing a bag. It’s about letting go of the idea that you have to handle everything yourself.

Here’s what helped me:

• Pack soft clothes, a journal, a favorite book, and something that smells like comfort
• Don’t overthink—bring what you need to feel safe, not perform
• Ask someone you trust to help with logistics, like transportation or checking in with work
• Write down how you’re feeling, even if it’s just “I don’t know what I’m doing”

You’re not weak for asking for help. You’re not selfish for choosing to heal during the holidays. You’re doing the bravest thing someone can do—you’re pressing pause on survival mode.

Reframing Holiday FOMO With Real Healing

Yes, you might miss a holiday meal. Yes, your cousin might post pictures without you. But you won’t miss your life—you’ll be reclaiming it.

Detox gives you the chance to:

• Wake up sober
• Begin to feel your body healing
• Hear your own thoughts again
• Be surrounded by people who get what it’s like to start over

You don’t have to pretend this is easy. But missing a holiday doesn’t mean missing love, connection, or joy. Sometimes, it means finally opening the door to all of them.

How Loved Ones Can Still Connect

Worried about what your family will think? You’re not the only one. Many people entering detox fear being forgotten or judged during the holidays.

But here’s the truth: most families would rather have you safe and healing than present and pretending.

Let them support you by:

• Writing you letters to read during your stay
• Visiting if the center allows
• Sending reminders that they care and believe in your recovery

And if you don’t have that kind of family support? That doesn’t disqualify you from recovery. Programs like Warsaw Recovery Center’s medical detox program in Virginia are built for people starting with no safety net.

We see you. And we’ve got you.

What Post-Detox Holidays Can Look Like

Picture this: Waking up Christmas morning without needing to recover from the night before. Going into the New Year with your mind clear and your body no longer screaming for relief.

Post-detox holidays can mean:

• Quiet mornings with real rest
• Calling someone who understands, instead of using
• Making new, honest memories—even small ones
• Feeling the beginning of something different

It won’t be perfect. But it will be real. And real beats pretend, every time.

You’re Not Too Late. You’re Right on Time.

If you’re even thinking about detox before the holidays, that’s your voice trying to protect you. Listen.

At Warsaw Recovery Center’s medical detox program in Virginia, we walk people through this every day. We’ll help you pack, plan, and breathe again.

Call (888) 511-9480 to talk to someone who understands. No pressure. Just honesty, safety, and real help—right now.

Detox Before the Holidays: FAQs

Will detox centers even admit people during the holidays?

Yes. Most medical detox programs, including Warsaw Recovery Center’s, operate 365 days a year. In fact, this season is one of the most critical times to seek help.

What if my family gets upset that I won’t be there?

Your safety matters more than your presence. If your loved ones care about you, they’ll want you to get better—even if that means missing a holiday.

Is it even worth starting treatment now? Shouldn’t I wait until January?

Starting now can prevent escalation and emotional damage. Waiting often leads to deeper relapse and more dangerous withdrawal. Now is not too early. Now is perfect.

How long does a medical detox program take?

Most detox programs last 5–10 days, depending on your medical needs and substance history. You’ll be medically monitored and emotionally supported the whole time.

What happens after detox?

Many people transition into a residential or outpatient program to continue building stability. Warsaw Recovery Center offers step-down care to keep your momentum going.