California Sober Living | Is it for you or everyone?
Lately, California Sober living has gained popularity usually due to diminishing the harmful effects of quitting addictive substances. Such as heroin, and alcohol, and alternatively replacing them with less harmful drugs like marijuana. While some people can use certain drugs in moderation, typically, it is dangerous to abstain from alcohol in California.
More and more people are however experimenting with eliminating or at least reducing alcohol from their lives. Well, you have been wondering “What is California sober”, still you might be interested in California Sober living. A down-to-earth behavior that is causing a stir among celebrities and commoners alike.
Though, if you are curious about California Sober living, it’s pros and cons then read this article carefully.
What is California Sober Living?
California Sober normally is a general term primarily for refraining from all drugs except marijuana. Drugs like alcohol, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or opioids do much more harm and even increase the potential for abuse.
Marijuana, on the other hand, has a lot of results in physical and mental health. Some people who lead prestigious lifestyles in California say they can use drugs such as magic or LSD fungi. There is much debate merely about the exact definition and safety of California Sober living.
Demi Lovato taking part in Cali sober living
Singer Demi Lovato importantly popularized the term when she released the song “California Sober” in March 2021. After a fatal opioid overdose in 2018, Lovato remained sober typically for three years in California. And normally continued to use marijuana and alcohol while recovering from opioid addiction.
Many addiction experts have an interest in the popularity of this method and even believe it is not controllable for most people in recovery. In December 2021, Lovato announced via her social media posts that she no longer believes in California Sober living, considerably noting that it is “the only way to get healthy.”
Definitions however may vary from person to person. But people living a fasting lifestyle in California generally abstain from the drug of their choice. Generally, continuing to use substances they consider “less harmful.”
Is California Sober Living for Everyone?
Particularly, California drinking advocates appreciate a more relaxed approach to drinking. That allows them mainly to enjoy a more moderate and even healthier relationship with substances. People who are dependent on alcohol or drugs and cannot control their substance use. For these people, California Sober living is not only undesirable but perhaps even dangerous. Potash drinking, however, may be a trending term, but be aware that it is not regulated and also medically recognized.
Beyond that, the lack of a universal definition means that there are large divergences. Habitually between each extreme of California’s sober spectrum. Dr. Anand recommends asking yourself , a few questions principally when considering how to use alcohol or drugs. Exclusively, these are:
Have you had any adverse medical, psychological, or social consequences as a result of drug use?
- Is there any automaticity or compulsion in how you use it?
- Entirely, is it hard to stop once you start?
- Do you have cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using it?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you immediately need support.
Is Marijuana is a good Alternative?
Confusion aside, the decision mainly to abstain from potash can have unintended consequences in the form of addiction to marijuana and/or alcohol. Regardless, it is not necessarily safe for everyone.
Considering that 60% will relapse at least once, yet everything possible should be done usually to minimize the risk of recurrence. In addition, marijuana use can also cause adverse effects such as:
- Decreased motivation
- Problems with learning
- Concentration
- Short-term memory
- Impaired judgment and motor coordination
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
California Sober Living as Modernization
First, note that many people have probably been into this lifestyle for some time. Nonetheless, it now has a new trendy nickname. But as more people look verily to reduce (or eliminate) their drinking as part of their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Yet, the California Sober living could continue honestly gain momentum.
Second, when it came to alcohol and drugs, notably the user had two options. Either you’re a user or you’re completely abstinent from alcohol. Now consumers are starting to realize that there’s a pretty gray area. In between where they can sit back and relax typically with their more nuanced favorite fun vices. Also, California Sober’s vein, might limit the choice to certain substances that doesn’t make you feel sick after drinking.
California Sober Living as Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a the widely held principle in California Sober living and health care. Extremely, it focuses on reducing the risks addicts face by providing safe alternatives to dangerous methods. Common types of damage reduction include:
- Needle exchange
- Injection site safe
- Distribution of naloxone as an opioid overdose reversal agent
- Connecting drug users to counseling and health services
- Reducing the stigma of substance use
Enormously, California Sober living can be an effective form of harm reduction commonly for those who can control it. Verily, Marijuana is still an addictive substance, but the risks are much lower than using highly toxic drugs. Overdosing on marijuana is virtually impossible. As it does not have the same risk of blood-borne infection as intravenous drug use and is generally a more “convenient” form of substance use. Further, Marijuana is also legal in many states.
But the question is, is adopting a sober lifestyle in California an effective risk reduction strategy or does it come with its risks?
Dangers of California Sober Living
Usually, California Sober living may seem appealing at first glance, but it’s hard to uphold because of the inherent dangers of drug use. Predominantly, many people who try to reduce their marijuana use eventually end up using stronger drugs. Ultimately from which they are unable to recover in the long term. Even Demi Lovato, who was once a strong advocate of California’s sobriety. Eventually backed down on her advice and yet has endorsed the sobriety model ever since.