What Does It Mean to Be California Sober?

Being California sober, sometimes referred to as Cali sober, has gained traction in recent years, but the concept itself has been around for some time. While traditional sobriety in recovery circles often means complete abstinence from all substances, California sobriety offers a more flexible and individualized approach. It might be helpful for people unfamiliar with the term to learn more about it and explore potential benefits or drawbacks. However, you must also remember that when considering addiction treatment and recovery, the journey must be something that works well for you. 

Regardless of the journey you embark on, West Coast Recovery Centers can help you embark on a path to sustainable sobriety. Call or visit our website to learn more about us and our programs and to get started today. 

What Is California Sober?

The California sober approach to addiction is somewhat of a harm reduction approach. Rather than complete abstinence, individuals who identify as California sober abstain from certain substances. That typically includes alcohol and harder drugs like opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. By not fully abstaining, these individuals may still allow themselves to use cannabis and, in some instances, psychedelics. The philosophy behind this approach is that not all substances have the same level of risk or impact, and some believe they may even provide therapeutic benefits.

Though there is no universal definition of California sobriety, the general idea is to eliminate substances that are detrimental to one's well-being while keeping those that maintain mental health or overall quality of life. For some, that may look like cutting out alcohol use but continuing cannabis use to manage anxiety, insomnia, or pain. 

Why Might You Choose to Be California Sober?

People turn to California sobriety for a variety of reasons. Oftentimes, they recognize that traditional treatment may not be the best fit for them. Here are some additional common motivators for adopting this lifestyle.

Middle Ground Between Sobriety and Substance Use

Some people struggle with an all-or-nothing approach to sobriety. The idea of complete abstinence may feel restrictive or unrealistic. That in and of itself can sometimes lead to relapse. California sobriety offers a harm reduction strategy that allows individuals to eliminate the substances that cause them harm while still engaging with those that provide relief or enjoyment in moderation. 

Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis and Psychedelics

Cannabis has become increasingly popular for its potential medicinal benefits. Those include pain relief, anxiety reduction, and a sleep aid. Even psychedelics have gained attention in recent years to potentially treat depression and other mental health conditions. 

Avoiding the Dangers of Harder Substances

Another component of California sobriety is the avoidance of dangerous and hard substances. That means steering clear of substances known to have high addiction potential and severe physical consequences, like alcohol, opioids, and stimulants. For individuals who have struggled with addiction or substance dependency in the past, the approach allows them to stay away from the most harmful substances while still engaging in a controlled form of use. 

A Personalized Approach to Recovery

Lastly, California sobriety can provide people with a personalized approach to recovery. Everyone's journey with substance use is unique. What works for some may not work for others. California sobriety provides flexibility, allowing individuals to tailor their approach based on what aligns with their health, well-being, and personal values. 

The Potential Risks and Criticisms of Being California Sober

While California sobriety may work well for some, it is not without its criticisms and risks. Such risks should be carefully considered and outweighed by the potential benefits. 

The Risk of Dependency

Some find that substituting one substance for another still leads to dependency. For example, while cannabis may not be as addictive as opioids, heavy use can lead to psychological dependence. Individuals may begin feeling like they need it to cope with stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. 

Lack of Support in Traditional Recovery Circles

Many 12-step programs and recovery communities emphasize total abstinence. That can make it difficult for those following a California sober lifestyle to find support, as they may not fully fit into or connect with traditional recovery models. These situations can cause these California sober individuals to feel isolated and even judged by those advocating for a stricter approach to sobriety. 

Difficulty Setting Personal Boundaries

Additionally, determining what substances are acceptable and what should be avoided can be challenging. Without clear guidelines, some may find themselves justifying the use of dangerously harmful substances. Self-awareness and intentionality are crucial in making California sobriety work for you. 

Is Being California Sober Right for You?

Determining whether California sobriety is a good fit for you requires reflection and honesty about your relationship with substances. How does substance use impact your daily life? Are you using cannabis or psychedelics in a way that enhances your well-being, or is it a harmful coping mechanism? Can you maintain control over your substance use and set boundaries for yourself? Asking questions such as these is crucial to deciding your sobriety. 

Contact West Coast Recovery Centers for more information or to learn how we can help you find the right individualized treatment and recovery plan today. 

When individuals are looking to recover from their struggle with addiction, it can be hard to determine which road to sobriety will work best for them. Some may benefit from a traditional 12-step program, while others want their recovery to be more flexible. Those desiring a flexible, individualized recovery path may consider California sobriety. Being California sober means your approach to recovery is a little unorthodox. Instead of complete abstinence, you may also use cannabis or less harmful substances for medicinal purposes. However, you should only do so if you can set boundaries for yourself regarding this substance use. For more information, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.