If you have been in recovery long enough, you have heard the term “California Sober”. California sober was made even more popular from the promotion by musician Demi Lovato. I do feel the need to mention that Demi Lovato later changed her stance on the topic after realizing the harm it could do.   This term, “California Sober” has been said to have a few different meanings and you may be wondering what they are. One of the definitions is when someone is sober from drugs and alcohol with the exception of still smoking marijuana. The other definition is being sober except occasionally drinking or smoking marijuana. The view is that if you aren’t doing hard drugs, you are still sober, but is this really sober?   The majority of the recovery community would say no. If the person who is being “California sober” is an addict, chances are this won’t work for long.

  Sanctuary Recovery Centers promotes a program of complete abstinence to allow for the best chance of long-term sobriety. When in recovery, using any type of drug or alcohol can make your brain think that you are back to using your drug of choice. As an addict, always wanting to find the easier softer way to do things is the go-to. Unfortunately, recovery is difficult to sustain in this manner. California sober is a risky game for most and the pros do not outweigh the cons. The use of these substances is altering the brain, although they may seem enjoyable now, they hinder the opportunity to grow spiritually. There are quite a few risks involved with California Sober that can be seen here:

• Increased risk of using “heavier” substances : As previously mentioned, the use of marijuana or alcohol can trick your brain into thinking you are using hard drugs again. If you are an addict, the use of these mind-altering substances will usually leave you wanting more at a certain point. Alcohol can result in an opioid relapse due to both substances interacting with the Mu opioid receptor. Cravings for harder drugs can rise up without notice and since alcohol and marijuana lower inhibitions, saying no to different drugs may become difficult.

• Legal repercussions : Marijuana is not recreationally legal in all states currently. That means that possession of the substance can result in a criminal charge and failing a drug test for work. Alcohol can lead to similar problems as well and possibly worse. Occasionally people will get behind the wheel of a vehicle after a few drinks because they think they are sober enough to drive. This is dangerous and can result in a DUI or possibly worse criminal charges if you wreck and injure or even kill someone in the process.

• Increased health problems : Alcohol can be dangerous when it comes to the liver of an alcoholic. Permanently damaging our bodies is never a wise sacrifice to make. Marijuana can raise your heart rate and increases the chances of having a stroke.   This is in addition to the lung damage that can occur from smoking marijuana as well. Some of these substances seem harmless on the surface and are socially acceptable, but there are consequences for use.  

• Sends dangerous mixed messages: Finally, participating in a California Sober lifestyle can send a bad message to those trying to find recovery. If someone has never tried to become sober before and they see that someone claims they have been clean for X number of years but smoke and drink, it seems appealing. This can give the impression that trading one drug for another is acceptable and ruin a chance of recovery for a newcomer.

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Here at Sanctuary Recovery Centers, we are familiar with the harm that can be caused to loved ones and families who suffer from an addiction. Knowing how difficult it may be to overcome, we’re committed to sharing information and guidance to help struggling people find their way to healing. The more we know about the signs, the presentations, and the effects; the better equipped we are to assist in recovery. We’re here for you. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact us.

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