What Is California Sober? Does it Work?
California sober is a term used to describe a strategy in addiction in which someone uses marijuana in place of harder substances while in recovery.
Some say this is a safe replacement, but people with substance use disorder often struggle with addiction due to factors like genetics, making relapse likely
The good news is that there are many effective ways to get and stay sober, like getting into a good, insurance-covered rehab program or joining a local support group.
Read on to learn more about whether going California Sober is the right choice for you.
So, what does California Sober mean? Around 2016, the term California Sober began to emerge, attracting interest and a fair amount of criticism from the recovery community.
California Sober refers to a version of sobriety where an addict replaces harder substances for marijuana, which is seen as a less potent drug. However, many professionals in the recovery community warn strongly against this approach, as it can often lead to relapse.
This controversial lifestyle choice has also garnered attention among celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Steve-O, and more, who have attempted it and publicly denounced it and say that it led them to relapse.
Music icon Elton John famously commented on Lovato’s choice in her most recent docuseries, stating, “Moderation doesn’t work. If you drink, you’re going to drink more; if you take a pill, you’re going to take another one. You either do it or you don’t.”
Many addiction specialists have also spoken out about being Cali Sober, with one Dr. Akhil Anand, MD, claiming that with this lifestyle, “You’re replacing one addictive substance with another. It’s a slippery slope.”
Taking into consideration that marijuana can be beneficial for some, it is seen by most people in the recovery community as an incredibly risky choice in your sobriety journey.
While some people claim that using marijuana to replace harder substances helps them navigate sobriety, there are some serious risks associated with attempting this lifestyle.
Critics of California Sober warn that true sobriety is the safest and most effective way to prevent relapse.
For most people who struggle with addiction, there is a genetic and physical response to mood-altering substances that can often be impossible to overcome without proper treatment and abstinence. As a result, many people who start using marijuana to get them through recovery find themselves right back where they started with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, because the marijuana triggers the same mechanism in their brain that caused them to struggle with addiction in the first place.
Not to mention, marijuana itself can be addictive for a portion of the population. With all of these factors contributing to the danger of relapse when going California Sober, for many, these risks simply outweigh the potential benefits.
If you’re trying to avoid relapse, going California Sober is just not considered a safe bet.
The best way to manage sobriety is by engaging in scientifically proven addiction treatment.
While the California Sober approach has only been around for a few years, treatment programs and support groups have been around for decades, and have much higher, proven success rates.
For many, though, deciding to enter a program can be challenging. For some, the idea can feel overwhelming, while others are often concerned with the cost of treatment, etc.
However, getting the help you need from a good addiction recovery program or support group can be a life-changing experience that has already helped millions of people achieve their goals in sobriety.
The law also requires that all insurance providers offer addiction recovery and mental health treatment, making the cost of rehab much more accessible. While certain recovery programs take different insurances, it’s a safe bet to assume that if you (or a parent if you’re 25 and under) have insurance, you can get into a private rehab center. For those without insurance, state-issued rehab centers are also available to you.
If you’ve been at a full-time job for at least a year, US law also mandates under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) that you can take paid time off of work without having to disclose why, other than that it’s for health reasons. All you need is a doctor’s recommendation which can be provided by a rehab admissions counselor.
At the end of the day, there are so many options available to you that are a safer path to sobriety than attempting to use marijuana to get by.
If you or a loved one are looking for effective treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, Gratitude Lodge is here to help you.
Our evidence-based treatment programs offer an effective approach to addiction recovery, in a beautiful coastal setting. Our upscale accommodations feel home-like and welcoming, while our 24/7 clinical staff are here to support you at all hours of the day.
We are a family-like community led by people who are in recovery themselves, and are deeply passionate about seeing our clients thrive in sobriety, long after their time with us.
Our world-class treatment program offers:
We accept most employer-issued insurance plans, which can cover up to 100% the cost of your treatment.
Start your journey to addiction recovery by calling our friendly team today at 844-576-0144.
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
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