Key Takeaways
- What is California Sober? Being California Sober means avoiding hard drugs but still using other substances like marijuana in moderation.
- Is California Sober Safe? While some people think it’s safer, there are risks of addiction or substance use problems even with “lighter” substances.
- How Does California Sober Affect Recovery? For people in recovery, using any substances can increase the risk of relapse.
- Virtue Recovery Center Offers Support: Virtue Recovery Center provides professional treatment to help people fully recover from addiction.
Introduction
The term California Sober has become more popular recently, especially among people trying to cut back on substance use without giving up all substances entirely. Being California Sober typically means avoiding hard drugs, like cocaine or heroin, but still using other substances, such as marijuana, in moderation. For some, this approach feels like a balanced way to live. But is it safe, especially for those in addiction recovery? At Virtue Recovery Center, we believe in providing the correct information to help people make the best choices for their health and well-being.
What is California Sober?
California Sober is a term that refers to a type of culture where a person refrains from taking hard drugs but can take other substances, such as marijuana. The concept is that by eliminating the most hazardous substances, a person decreases his or her total risk but still has some level of substance use.
For instance, a person may quit taking opioids, cocaine, or ecstasy and still smoke marijuana in moderation. Others argue that this way, they can stay away from the adverse effects of hard drugs, but at the same time, they can use some substances for social purposes or fun.
However, it is essential to know that even substances such as marijuana can have negative consequences, including for individuals who have had issues with substance use disorder.
Is California Sober Safe?
Although some individuals believe that the California Sober is a safer way of living than being completely sober, there are still certain dangers that one has to face. For those who have had issues with substance use in the past, even moderate use of marijuana is dangerous. Here are a few reasons why:
- Gateway Effect: For some people, using “lighter” substances can lead back to using harder drugs. What starts as occasional use of marijuana might trigger cravings for other substances, making it harder to stay away from more dangerous drugs.
- Loss of Control: Those who have had a history of addiction may struggle to avoid using any substance and keep it in check. It starts with moderate use and may progress to higher use levels over time.
- Health Risks: marijuana is not without its side effects on the health of the consumers. Marijuana abuse affects the mental health or motivation of the user in the long run.
But it is crucial to know the potential effects of this approach and if it is good for you if you decide to be California Sober.
How Does California Sober Affect Recovery?
For people who are in addiction recovery, any use of substances—whether it’s marijuana or harder drugs—can be dangerous. Even small amounts of these substances can trigger cravings or make it harder to stay sober in the long term.
Here’s why California Sober may not be the best approach for someone in recovery:
- Relapse Risk: Many people in recovery find that using any substance can quickly lead back to old habits. For example, a person who is California Sober might start with casual marijuana use, but over time, they could find themselves craving harder drugs.
- Triggers: In recovery, people work hard to avoid their triggers—situations, people, or places that remind them of their past substance use. Using even small amounts of a substance can reintroduce those triggers and make it harder to stay on track.
- Staying Fully Sober: For long-term recovery, most addiction specialists recommend that the patient should not use any substance at all. In this way, people will not have to worry about relapse and can focus only on the process of creating a new and healthy life.
At Virtue Recovery Center, we believe that the only way for people to achieve total recovery is to stay away from any substance, and this way, they will have the highest chances of staying sober.
How Virtue Recovery Center Can Help
At Virtue Recovery Center, we understand that every person’s recovery journey is unique. Whether you’re trying to decide if the California Sober approach is right for you or if you’re ready to take steps toward total sobriety, we’re here to help.
Our addiction treatment programs are designed to meet each person’s individual needs. Here’s how we can help:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Some of the services that we provide are detoxification, counseling, and aftercare services, depending on the client’s needs.
- Therapy and Counseling: Our professional therapists work with you to understand the root causes of your substance use and teach you healthy ways to cope with stress, cravings, and triggers.
- Long-Term Support: Recovery does not stop as soon as treatment is over. We offer aftercare and support to ensure you remain sober and create a better life.
At Virtue Recovery Center, we want to make sure that you get the best chance at recovery, and that means without having to use substances.
Conclusion
Although the concept of being California Sober may seem like a good thing to some, it is still dangerous, especially for those who have had a history of substance abuse. Even if you are using them in moderation, substances can make it easier to relapse or make it more challenging to stick to your recovery plan. For those who want to get rid of the addiction, it is usually better to aim at complete abstinence as this is the most secure way.
If you or your family member needs help, contact Virtue Recovery Center at 866-461-3339 to get more information about our substance abuse treatment and how we can assist you in the process of recovery.
FAQs
What does California Sober mean?
California Sober is when a person does not take hard drugs but uses soft drugs like marijuana in moderate amounts.
Is California Sober a safe approach to recovery?
Although some people think that it is safer, the use of any substance is still dangerous, including for those who have a history of substance use disorder.
Can you recover from addiction while still using marijuana?
For most people in recovery, using any substances can increase the risk of relapse. Total sobriety is often the safest option for long-term recovery.
Why do some people choose California Sober?
Others believe that removing only the hard drugs while still using other soft drugs, such as marijuana, is a better way of minimizing the risks of substance use and abuse.
How can Virtue Recovery Center help with addiction treatment?
Virtue Recovery Center is a medical and clinical treatment, therapy, and support service organization that seeks to assist individuals in getting their lives back and staying sober.
Resources
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/apr/11/california-sober-meaning-marijuana
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/use-your-brain/202303/a-new-assessment-of-california-sober
https://www.axios.com/2024/04/19/420-alcohol-alcoholism-marijuana-cannabis-booze-weed-pot
