What Does California Sober Mean? Exploring the Controversial Recovery Approach

Understanding California Sober

In recent years, the term "California sober" has become more widely used, especially among celebrities like Demi Lovato. But what exactly does it mean to be California sober? Here's a closer look at this unique approach to sobriety.

The Origin of California Sober

The concept of California sober originated in Los Angeles recovery circles. California is known for its laidback vibe and progressive attitudes toward things like cannabis use. So California sober emerged as a sobriety model that allows for the mindful, moderate use of cannabis and psychedelics.

For those who practice California sober, the focus is abstaining from alcohol and hard drugs. But they allow themselves to occasionally use cannabis products like marijuana strains or CBD. Some also integrate psychedelics like magic mushrooms or LSD on a limited basis.

The idea is that these substances can have spiritual and therapeutic benefits when used intentionally. So avoiding all substance use is not necessary for everyone's recovery path.

How California Sober Differs from Traditional Sobriety

The California sober approach is fundamentally different from traditional sobriety models like those promoted in 12-step programs. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) encourage complete abstinence from recreational drugs, including cannabis.

In AA, sober is defined as "not having any alcohol or mind-altering substances in one's system." So someone who smokes marijuana occasionally or takes psychedelics a few times a year would not be considered sober in the traditional 12-step context.

California sober essentially redefines what sobriety means. The focus is more on limiting hard drug and alcohol use specifically. Cannabis or psychedelics may be viewed as acceptable in moderation.

Can California Sober Work Long-Term?

California sober is a relatively new concept, so there aren't many studies evaluating its long-term outcomes yet. But some addiction experts have expressed concerns that it could increase the risk of relapse.

For those with substance use disorders, any psychoactive substance use may trigger cravings and addictive behaviors. Even occasional cannabis use can be a slippery slope over time.

There's also the risk of replacing one substance with another. For example, someone who quits drinking alcohol may be more likely to overuse cannabis products or psychedelics instead.

On the other hand, advocates argue that some people may benefit from a more flexible approach. Not everyone with substance use issues may require total abstinence. Carefully incorporating lower-risk substances could support sobriety for some.

Demi Lovato and California Sober

In recent interviews, pop star Demi Lovato has opened up about adopting a California sober lifestyle. After suffering a near-fatal opioid overdose in 2018, Lovato decided that complete abstinence was not the best path forward.

Today, Lovato still avoids alcohol and hard drugs. But she uses cannabis and the occasional psychedelic. In a March 2021 interview, she stated, Ive learned that shutting the door on things makes me want to open the door even more.

Lovato maintains that this approach helps her maintain sobriety from more harmful substances. But she no longer uses the term California sober to describe her lifestyle. After receiving some backlash, she clarified that she feels sobriety must mean complete abstinence from all recreational substances.

Criticisms of the California Sober Approach

Although California sober has gained more attention recently, it remains controversial in recovery circles. Here are some of the main criticisms:

• It could increase the risk of relapse to alcohol or hard drugs.
• Psychoactive substances may hinder personal growth and therapy progress.
• People with addictive tendencies may overuse cannabis or psychedelics.
• It lacks accountability and community support from groups like AA/NA.
• There are no evidence-based guidelines for moderate, "mindful" substance use.

Many addiction experts argue that those with substance use disorders fare much better with complete abstinence. Allowing any drug or alcohol use could sabotage their progress.

Benefits Touted by California Sober Supporters

Those who support California sober-style approaches make the following arguments:

• Abstinence doesn't work for everyone; a moderate approach could benefit some people.
• Cannabis and psychedelics have therapeutic potential when used carefully.
• It focuses on limiting the most harmful substances like alcohol and opioids.
• People can learn moderation and set their own boundaries.
• A flexible approach could improve long-term sobriety odds for some.

Supporters don't view California sober as appropriate for everyone. But they argue it provides an alternative recovery framework for those who struggle with rigid all-or-nothing approaches.

Trying California Sober Safely

If you're interested in exploring California sober as an approach, proceed carefully. Don't view occasional cannabis or psychedelic use as risk-free or beneficial by default. Be mindful of the following precautions:

• Consult doctors and addiction professionals to get their advice.
• Avoid mind-altering substances if you have mental health conditions.
• Stick to very small doses to avoid building tolerance.
• Don't use daily or even weekly; limit frequency to 1-2 times per month.
• Keep track of use to ensure it doesn't increase over time.
• Focus on positive lifestyle changes like therapy, community support, meditation, exercise, nutrition, etc.

With a thoughtful approach, California sober could work for some people. But it's not advisable for everyone, especially individuals with addictive tendencies.

Is California Sober Right for You?

How do you know if experimenting with California sober would be appropriate in your situation? Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have an addictive personality or struggle to use substances moderately?
• Is your top priority abstaining from alcohol and hard drugs rather than all substances?
• Are you open to an individualized approach to sobriety vs. a one-size-fits-all model?
• Are you willing to carefully track your cannabis or psychedelic use?
• Do you have a strong community and support system in place?
• Are you actively working on your mental health and personal growth?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, California sober could be worth exploring. But be very cautious if you exhibit addictive tendencies or are early in recovery from alcohol/drugs.

Is It Really Sobriety?

Whether or not California sober aligns with traditional definitions of sobriety remains up for debate. In 12-step programs, sobriety means completely avoiding all mind-altering substances.

California sober challenges this definition by allowing exceptions for cannabis and psychedelics. Critics argue this confuses the meaning of sobriety and could undermine recovery.

Even Lovato has moved away from calling her approach sobriety or California sober. She now simply states that she avoids substances and situations that could lead to relapse. This aligns more closely with the 12-step view of abstinence-only sobriety.

In the end, definitions matter less than finding the recovery path that works for each individual. California sober may help some people limit the most harmful substances even if total abstinence is unrealistic for them.

Making California Sober Work Long-Term

If you decide to pursue California sober as your recovery model, take steps to make it sustainable:

• Surround yourself with supportive friends who reinforce your boundaries.
• Avoid people and places that could trigger heavier substance use.
• Practice meditation, yoga, exercise, journaling, or other wellness habits daily.
• Schedule regular therapy appointments to stay accountable.
• Join a community group like LifeRing Secular Recovery that allows for a customized recovery plan.
• Use written contracts specifying your substance use limits and consequences for breaking them.
• Check in frequently with loved ones about how you're feeling.

A recovery program requires constant self-evaluation and diligent work. Don't view any substance use, even cannabis, as " harmless." And be ready to course correct if your use starts increasing.

When California Sober May Not Be Suitable

For certain individuals and situations, abstinence-only recovery is strongly recommended over attempting California sober:

• People with histories of substance abuse, addiction, or relapse.
• Those newly sober or early in recovery.
• People unable to stick to firm limits for drug, alcohol, or behavior.
• Individuals with mental illnesses that drugs could exacerbate.
• Anyone taking prescription psychiatric medications.
• People who lack strong community support and accountability.
• Situations where abstinence is mandated, like court orders or treatment programs.

For these high-risk groups, abstinence is the safest approach. California sober would not be advised because the risks likely outweigh potential benefits.

Is It Worth Trying?

California sober is not for everyone in recovery. But for certain people, it may offer an alternative to all-or-nothing approaches. Carefully incorporating lower-risk substances could support sobriety, but only with diligence and self-honesty.

If you are considering California sober, consult medical and addiction professionals first. Set firm limits and be ready to course correct. Surround yourself with a strong support system. And focus on lifestyle changes that will improve your physical and mental health in the long-term.

With mindful experimentation and oversight, California sober may provide a path to sobriety for those who have struggled with rigid abstinence. But it requires accepting responsibility for your actions and making concrete plans to keep substance use in check.

For many people seeking addiction recovery, abstinence is the best practice. But an increasing number are finding that California sober allows them to limit problem substances while carefully integrating healthier alternatives.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.