Everyone knows what “sober” means. It’s one of those rare things in life that means the exact same thing to everyone. Whether you’re in recovery or are getting ready to get behind the wheel, staying sober can make your life better and safer in incalculable ways. That’s why so many people choose to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Whether they’re in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Or whether they just prefer life without the influence of drugs and alcohol. Staying sober is a profound lifestyle choice, the effects of which can reverberate out into every facet of one’s life. But “California Sober” is something entirely different. It can mean the same thing as just “sober”. But it can also stretch the outer limits of sobriety beyond recognition.
What does “California Sober” mean?
“California Sober” is a term that has gained popularity and sparked discussions within sobriety and recovery communities in recent decades, particularly on the West coast and in California. It refers to a lifestyle where an individual abstains from using certain substances, particularly harder drugs or alcohol, while “occasionally” consuming cannabis or psychedelics.
The concept of being “California Sober” implies a modified version of sobriety, often associated with a more lenient approach toward substance use. Those who identify with this lifestyle may argue that they’ve removed substances that they consider more harmful or addictive from their lives while maintaining the use of substances they perceive as less detrimental.
However, the term is not universally defined and can vary among individuals. For some, being “California Sober” might mean abstaining from addictive substances like alcohol and opioids but using marijuana or psychedelics in moderation. Others might interpret it as abstaining from hard drugs but occasionally drinking alcohol or using cannabis.
What are the problems with “California Sober”
Simply put, “California Sober” does not mean “sober”. And the concept of “California Sober” can disguise regular, harmful, substance use. Because the term “California Sober” is in the eye of the beholder, it can be a mechanism for serious denial. Imagining or believing that certain kinds of substance use are “cleaner” or “better” than others is a recipe for creeping substance use disorder.
For those in recovery, the idea of being “California Sober” can pose its own significant risks. Here are a few of them:
- Misleading Perception of Sobriety: The term “California Sober” can blur the definition of sobriety, leading to misunderstandings about what true recovery entails. Complete abstinence from all intoxicating substances is a fundamental principle of recovery. The concept of moderation with certain substances might undermine the seriousness of addiction and the significance of complete sobriety for some individuals.
- Risk of Relapse: Embracing a “California Sober” lifestyle might create challenges in maintaining sobriety. For individuals with a history of substance abuse, even moderate use of certain substances, like cannabis or psychedelics, can potentially trigger a return to more harmful behaviors or relapse into previous addiction patterns.
- Potential Cross-Addiction: While an individual might abstain from certain substances deemed more harmful, adopting a “California Sober” approach can lead to substituting one addiction for another. Using substances like cannabis or psychedelics, even in moderation, might still pose risks of dependency or trigger addictive behaviors in susceptible individuals.
“California sober” alternatives
It may be obvious. But the alternative to “California Sober” is just…being sober. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is not only critical for people who are in recovery. But they can be beneficial for people who are not. Use of drugs and alcohol does not have to develop into full-blown substance use disorder to have a negative effect on quality of life. Here are a few ways that sobriety can improve your life
Benefits of sobriety:
- 1) Improved Physical Health: Sobriety eliminates the detrimental effects of substance abuse on the body. It can lead to better overall health, improved sleep patterns, increased energy levels, and a strengthened immune system.
- 2) Enhanced Mental Health: Sobriety contributes to improved mental well-being. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood swings that might be exacerbated by substance use. Clearer thinking, better focus, and increased mental clarity are also common benefits.
- 3) Emotional Stability: Being sober allows individuals to experience and manage emotions more effectively. They can develop healthier coping mechanisms and deal with life’s challenges without relying on substances to numb emotions.
Get help now!
The benefits of sobriety are numerous. And if you’re having trouble adjusting to a life beyond a “California Sober” lifestyle, and you’re considering making a change with Gardena rehab, it may be time to get help today! With Transformations Care!
If you need to make a change, we want to help you. It might be hard to believe that a different life is within your reach – one without drugs and alcohol. At Transformations Care, we’ve helped enough people get clean and sober to know that this decision can give you the life that you deserve. Everyone deserves this chance and, at Transformation Care, we’re here to make it happen. If you’ve been thinking about getting clean and sober, or if you want to work on and strengthen the recovery you already have, it’s never been easier to do it through telehealth. Give us a call at (424) 339-0965, or head over to our contact us page on our website and fill out our 100% confidential information form and a compassionate member of our team will reach out to you.