Some people believe they can be sober generally but continue occasional “recreational” substance use. Individuals practicing what's called “California sober” may continue to struggle with substance use down the road. Many people live this way, but the consequences can be harmful. A long-term life of recovery requires abstinence from all substance use. That includes illicit drugs as well as substances that may seem more harmless, such as alcohol or marijuana.
Recovery is possible, but if you do not stop all substance use, you put yourself at risk for relapse. It may be challenging, but therapy and treatment can help you cope with the root of your addiction. These methods also help reduce your need and desire for any substance use. If you still engage in occasional substance use after getting sober, seek help today.
If you follow stories of celebrities struggling with addiction, you may have heard questionable methods or narratives. For example, celebrity Demi Lovato has used the term “California sober” to describe her sobriety. At its core, California sober embodies the idea of only abstaining from select substances. To illustrate, imagine an individual who struggles with opioids. They may consciously decide to abstain from this kind of substance. However, they may continue recreational substance use, such as drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana.
This is not to say that some unconventional approaches to recovery are inadequate. Addiction treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment is most effective when it’s individualized and tailored to each person. Nevertheless, the approach of not abstaining from all substances and continuing to drink or use even in moderation is extremely dangerous. It is also counterproductive, especially for those whose addiction had completely taken over their life.
For some, it may be a matter of opinion, but the idea of California sober leaves a lot of gray space as to what is considered sobriety. Abstaining from the substances that are most destructive to an individual may seem like a step in the right direction. Still, they are simply transferring dependency from one substance to another without effectively handling the core cause of their addiction.
As mentioned, California sobriety can prevent people from getting to the root of their struggle with addiction. This can lead to a number of other harmful effects, including:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes polysubstance use as “the use of more than one drug." Unfortunately, it is common for people to use more than one substance at a time — whether intentionally or not. Intentional polysubstance use “occurs when a person takes a drug to increase or decrease the effects of a different drug or wants to experience the effects of the combination.” For example, a person may cut heroin with fentanyl to experience a more intense high or longer-lasting effects.
Substance use alone is dangerous, but mixing substances can be lethal. Depending on the substances mixed, the CDC indicates that polysubstance use can lead to:
Practicing California sobriety when you struggle with polysubstance use will complicate your treatment and recovery journey. Continuing to drink alcohol or smoke weed is a dangerous gateway that may tempt you to return to old habits and use more dangerous drugs.
Ask yourself, “Can I genuinely stay sober and abstain from only specific substances while engaging with others?” Chances are, you know the answer deep down.
California sobriety aside, nearly everyone struggles with staying sober after rehab. It is not always easy to do. Reentering your daily life can bring back a lot of emotions, stress, and challenges. Treatment focuses on using evidence-based modalities and other practices to teach you to cope with life stress without drugs or alcohol. If you plan to be California sober, you may have no motivation to learn those healthy coping techniques because you can rely on your “okayed” substances.
You can stay sober after rehab by:
You may have only heard of California sobriety in recent years, but this concept has been around for a while. Many have claimed it to be successful, while others feel the opposite, especially during early recovery. It can lead to relapse and prevent you from a life of recovery and physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Make the decision to abstain from all substances and leave behind the idea of California sobriety today.
Many people are under the false impression that they can continue some recreational substance use while in recovery. They think because they abstain from illicit substances like heroin, that they can enjoy an occasional drink or smoke weed. This concept is commonly referred to as California sober, and unfortunately, many who practice this find themselves in a vicious cycle of relapse after relapse. To genuinely achieve and maintain a life of recovery, you must abstain from all substances and seek mental health treatment to get to the root cause of your struggle with addiction. For treatment, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400. Our detox services, variety of program offerings, and aftercare support can help you achieve an authentic life of sobriety.
