When Is The Right Time To Get Sober?

Waiting for the “Perfect” Time: A Dangerous Illusion

For many of us, the idea of getting sober comes with a mental checklist of excuses. We convince ourselves that the perfect moment to quit will eventually arrive. Maybe it’s after summer, when life feels less stressful, or after one last party, wedding, or holiday. 

The truth? There will never be a perfect time. Life is full of challenges, stressors, and celebrations, and waiting for the stars to align is just another way to delay the inevitable.

I understand this all too well. I spent years waiting for the “right” time to quit, justifying my drinking with excuses like needing it to cope or believing I could change “tomorrow.” Tomorrow never came—until I realized I was stuck in a cycle, drinking to escape the consequences caused by drinking.

The Cost of Waiting

Every day spent drinking carries a cost. It chips away at your health, relationships, career, and potential for happiness. Alcoholism is progressive—it doesn’t stay the same, and it doesn’t get better without action. Time, the most precious resource we have slips away.

Looking back at my years of drinking, I realized I had been setting the bar at “functional.” I thought I was okay if I could make it to work and pay my bills. But is “functional” really the life you want? Sobriety isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving.

Beyond time, there’s also the risk of irreversible damage. Relationships, health, and opportunities may not always be salvageable if we continue putting off sobriety. If you think today is hard, imagine the day after you lose something—or someone—irreplaceable because of your drinking.

Why the Excuses Don’t Hold Up

The most common excuses we use to delay getting sober often boil down to fear and procrastination.

• “I’ll quit after this event.” There will always be another party, another holiday, or another gathering. Putting off sobriety for a “last hurrah” is a never-ending cycle.
• “I need alcohol to cope with stress.” Alcohol doesn’t alleviate stress; it compounds it. Sobriety might be challenging at first, but it leads to better mental clarity and emotional resilience.
• “I haven’t hit rock bottom yet.” The myth of “rock bottom” keeps people in the cycle of addiction. Rock bottom isn’t a definitive place—it’s wherever you choose to stop digging.

I know because I crossed so many lines I swore I never would. Every time I said, “If I ever do this, I’ll quit,” I ended up justifying my way into drinking again. Don’t wait to become the version of yourself you promised you’d never become.

Why Today Is Better Than Tomorrow

The truth is, every sober person I’ve spoken with shares a similar regret: not getting sober sooner. You can’t undo the past, but you can take action now.

Sobriety isn’t about waiting for the perfect time; it’s about deciding that today is the day to change. Whether you’re afraid of failure or unsure where to start, remember this: trying and struggling is always better than not trying at all.

If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Listen to the full podcast episode for deeper insights, personal stories, and the motivation to take control of your life. The right time to get sober isn’t tomorrow—it’s today. Don’t let another day slip by.