Idiom Usage:
This idiom is almost always used to refer to people who have trouble controlling their alcohol intake - alcoholics.
This idiom can be used to describe a situation where a recovering alcoholic is consciously abstaining from alcohol.
This idiom can be used to describe abstaining from any addictive or compulsive behavior.
Idiom Usage Option:
"to
go on the wagon"
to plan to be in the process of not drinking alcohol usually due to an addiction problem
For example:
"Tomorrow, I will go on the wagon. I want to drink for just one more night"
The use of "
go on the wagon" shows the intention to
be on the wagon at some future time.
The "
go on the wagon" form of this idiom is often used with the verb forms:
{want to} - He wants to go on the wagon but does not have the willpower.
or
{need to} - She needs to go on the wagon. She knows that she needs to quit drinking.
Both of these uses, {want to} and {need to} show some form of future intention.
