Start Treatment and Recovery Before the New Year

Delaying care until January can increase the risks associated with opioid use disorder. Learn why it’s better to start treatment and recovery now, during the holidays for long-term success and greater emotional stability. 

If you are postponing addiction treatment until after the holidays, be honest with yourself. Ask yourself why you want to hold off on changing your life for the better. What will you gain from spending another several months stuck in the cycle of substance misuse?  

There’s no need to wait for a New Year’s resolution to commit to change. Starting now gives you a head start on the path to stability and wellness. Beginning your treatment and recovery journey during the holidays puts you ahead of others waiting for January 1st.

Additionally, delaying OUD treatment can have significant drawbacks. Waiting for an arbitrary date to enroll in MAT treatment is a form of procrastination. It can worsen your addiction and increase the risk of serious complications, including overdose.  

The best course of action is to seek help as soon as possible to maximize your chances of long-term success. Consider the advantages of starting your recovery timeline now, during the holiday season.  

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Starting MAT 

The holiday season symbolizes a period of joy and celebration. Families and friends come together to express love, share laughter and create wonderful memories. However, if you are struggling with addiction, can you honestly say you are enjoying your time spent together?  

Many people just like you tend to delay addiction treatment during the holidays. They convince themselves that starting anew in the new year is for the best. However, postponing treatment can lead to significant risks.  

• Heightened emotions: Holiday stress can deepen emotional pain. Feelings of loneliness, sadness and regret tend to deepen during the season that otherwise exudes joy. Because addiction involves not only physical dependence but also emotional and psychological components, your emotions can be all over the place. Postponing treatment may extend your emotional distress, complicating efforts to address and overcome these challenges over time.
•  Increased substance use: People tend to use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge. For some, their vice is pumpkin pie and indulgent appetizers. Meanwhile, others reach for drugs and alcohol.  While celebrating the holidays is normal and encouraged, it is easy to go overboard. If you fixate on your start date as January 1^st, it can be tempting to overuse. This could lead to deadly consequences.  
• Frequent isolation: Even when in a room full of people who are enjoying the holiday spirit, you may feel utterly alone. You know that your addiction is the giant elephant in the room and holding you back from being fully present. If you are hiding your addiction, you may feel overwhelmed with guilt and regret. Do you really want to spend the festive season feeling miserable in a room full of people you love?  

Keep in mind that addiction does not follow a schedule. Early intervention allows for quicker progress in recovery. Please do not use the holiday season as an excuse to postpone the help you need to beat addiction. Instead, view the holidays as an opportunity for renewal and change, paving the way toward a healthier, drug-free future. 

Advantages of Starting Opioid Treatment Before January 

Beginning medication-assisted recovery before the new year provides unique benefits. It offers a structured and supportive routine during an otherwise stressful time of year. This will help you establish a solid foundation for recovery planning as you approach a season associated with new beginnings.  Other advantages include: 

1. Saving money: If you have insurance, you may have already fulfilled your deductible for the year. Most deductibles reset on January 1^st. That means you can enroll and begin treatment before the reset, and insurance will likely cover it! Additionally, if you are employed, you can utilize your days off to establish a comfortable holiday recovery routine.  
2. Feeling better: Wintertime can be challenging, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, treatment can also help you combat those winter blues. You will feel much better once you begin, and the long winter season will not feel so dreadful.  
3. Building momentum: Treatment motivation in the final months of the year helps you create positive momentum for your recovery goals. Taking the first step to get started will fuel your “new year, new me” attitude. This will support and reinforce your progress as you enter the new year. 
4. Avoiding the rush: Many people are planning to start their New Year’s resolutions in January. This could result in longer wait times and increased difficulty scheduling appointments. Beat the rush and start a couple of months early. That way, you are already established by the time everyone else begins.  
5. Giving the greatest gift: Not only is addiction treatment the best gift you can give to yourself, but to your loved ones, too. Your family will have even more reason to celebrate this holiday season, knowing you are finally getting the help you need. Additionally, you will begin treatment during a time when many of your loved ones will be around and available to you. This can give you a boost early on as you get accustomed to your new life.  

Many people facing addiction persuade themselves that the New Year will serve as a resolution to stop using.  Although the start of a new year may be an inspiring catalyst, it is best not to delay treatment.  The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is relatively high. This is especially true when people rely too much on the date of January 1st to motivate change.  

Pursuing treatment before January represents a proactive approach to recovery. It is a time to prioritize self-care and repair strained relationships. It also signifies a commitment to a healthier and more fulfilling future. Choosing recovery conveys a positive message to loved ones who are concerned about your well-being. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment During the Holidays with MedMark 

If you are feeling unsure or anxious about addiction treatment but recognize the need for help, reach out to MedMark. We are here to support you in choosing a future that you will feel confident about. Our services encompass a comprehensive range of care, from medical detox and outpatient addiction treatment to substance use counseling. Do not let another holiday season pass in a haze of guilt and regret. We are ready to help. Contact us today to begin your journey.