The “California Sober” concept is a growing trend among individuals reevaluating their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Unlike traditional sobriety, which emphasizes total abstinence from all substances, California Sober allows for some flexibility. 

“California Sober” refers to a lifestyle choice where individuals abstain from hard drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, while allowing the use of softer substances, particularly marijuana. 

This lifestyle has gained significant attention, especially through celebrities like Demi Lovato, who helped popularize the term in 2021. Proponents argue that it allows for a more flexible relationship with substances, focusing on harm reduction rather than complete avoidance. However, it has sparked discussions about the implications and effectiveness of such an approach in recovery.

What is “California Sober”?

“California sober,” also known as “Cali Sober,” refers to a lifestyle in which individuals use marijuana and, occasionally, alcohol or psychedelics in moderation while avoiding more harmful and addictive substances. This approach is viewed as a form of “softer sobriety,” where the emphasis is on replacing dangerous substances with those perceived as less harmful.

However, medical experts caution against this mindset. Dr. Akhil Anand, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist, warns that substituting one addictive substance for another can be problematic. While marijuana is often seen as less dangerous, it can still lead to addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 9% of marijuana users become addicted, with the risk increasing to 17% for those who begin using it during adolescence.

This highlights the importance of individualized approaches to recovery, as what works for one person may not be effective for another.

What does it mean to Be Cali Sober?

To be “Cali Sober” means finding a balance between complete sobriety and controlled substance use. This means quitting hard drugs like methamphetamine or heroin while allowing for occasional use of substances like marijuana or psychedelics. 

Terms like “psychedelic sober” or “weed sober” describe a similar approach, where individuals stop using more dangerous substances while still occasionally use marijuana or psychedelics.

For some, including celebrities like Demi Lovato, this lifestyle is a way to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for themselves. The focus is on moderation and harm reduction rather than total abstinence, aiming for a more manageable relationship with substances.

Which celebrities are “Cali sober”?

Several celebrities have embraced a “Cali sober” lifestyle, which typically involves abstaining from hard drugs while continuing to use marijuana or alcohol in moderation. Notable figures include:

1. Demi Lovato: After a near-fatal overdose, Lovato shared in her docuseries that she adopted a “Cali sober” approach, opting for marijuana over alcohol and hard drugs.
2. Wiz Khalifa: Khalifa has been “Cali sober” for around eight months, choosing to eliminate booze while using weed and psychedelic mushrooms.
3. Billy Idol: The rocker has also embraced “California sober.” Although he occasionally enjoys a glass of wine, he has largely moved away from the hard drugs that affected his life in the ’70s and ’80s.

While these celebrities find success with this approach, it’s important to note that “Cali sober” lacks a consistent definition and may not be effective for everyone.

Does “California Sober” Work?

California sobriety may work for some individuals, but it is not effective for everyone. Research indicates that those who have struggled with addiction face a high risk of relapse when any substance is reintroduced, even softer ones like marijuana or alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, nearly 50% of people will experience a relapse within one year of treatment when they start using substances again. Even marijuana, which is central to the Cali Sober lifestyle, carries its own risks, including the potential for dependency.

Studies show that about 30% of marijuana users develop a use disorder, making this approach potentially dangerous for those with a history of addiction. Therefore, individual circumstances and histories should guide recovery strategies.

Cali Sober: Is Marijuana actually a Safe Alternative?

While the Cali Sober lifestyle may help some individuals move away from alcohol, substituting it with marijuana is not necessarily a safer option. Researchers have identified several risks associated with marijuana use, especially for those in recovery from addiction.

Although many view marijuana as a milder drug, it is not without potential side effects, including:

• Cognitive Impairments: Regular use can lead to issues with short-term memory, learning, and concentration.
• Judgment and Coordination: Marijuana can impair judgment and motor coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Psychological Effects: Prolonged use may result in paranoia, anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, psychosis.
• Physical Health Risks: Long-term use is associated with lung damage, including chronic bronchitis, and may elevate the risk of certain cancers.
• Lowered Motivation: Users may experience a lack of motivation, hindering personal and professional growth.
• Addiction Potential: Marijuana can be addictive, with users potentially developing a tolerance, experiencing cravings, and facing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

Given these factors, it’s essential for individuals considering the Cali Sober approach to weigh the risks and consult with healthcare professionals.

Are you ‘Sober’ if you’re California sober?

The medical definition of sobriety typically entails complete abstinence from intoxicating substances, which renders the term “California sober” somewhat misleading. For many, sobriety means fully overcoming addiction, whereas individuals who identify as California sober may still use marijuana or alcohol in moderation.

While this harm reduction approach can help some avoid relapse, it often falls short of traditional standards of sobriety. Notable figures like Demi Lovato have experimented with California sobriety but later returned to total abstinence, stating that moderate substance use did not align with their long-term recovery goals.

Is California Sober Medically Proven Or Regulated?

The “California sober” lifestyle has no medical and regulated basis. It is an arbitrary concept that has no standardized guidelines. While some individuals use cannabis or alcohol in moderation to distance themselves from hard drugs, this approach remains highly controversial.

Experts caution that substituting one substance for another—such as using marijuana to avoid alcohol—can lead to a different form of addiction. Cannabis can induce tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal, similar to other addictive substances.

Without a real scientific basis and clear policy of how this should be done, the “Cali sober” approach is questionable in its effectiveness, and long-term recovery consequences remain largely unknown. 

What do experts say about people with substance use disorders using marijuana?

Most experts advise against using marijuana as a substitute for alcohol or drugs for recovery cases involving substance use disorders. Research indicates that using either substance can enhance cravings for the other, complicating the recovery process.

The use of marijuana could be a stepping stone back into alcohol or other substance use for recovering individuals. Studies have shown that the use of marijuana replaces alcohol, but in time, one will go back to the consumption of alcohol.

Addiction psychiatrist Dr. Ayana Jordan points to the fact that cannabis can introduce its own set of problems, such as dependency, insomnia, and anxiety. She emphasizes that evidence-based treatments for addiction, like cognitive behavior therapy or FDA-approved medication, including naltrexone, are generally more effective.

Celebrities like Steve-O have shared their experiences, highlighting how marijuana use can trigger a desire for other substances. Overall, professionals widely advise against using cannabis as a recovery tool, as it may impede progress toward sustained sobriety.