Threats to Your Sobriety: California Sober
California sober and sobriety are not the same. A celebrity came out recently and explained how she is “California” sober. The term created controversy and some questions in the sober community. Some with a substance use disorder (SUD) might wonder if this form of sobriety is suitable. An honest discussion about California sober and sobriety can help you understand the differences.
COVID-19’s Effects on Mental Health and Substance Use
People, maybe you, felt the stress of loss of jobs, economic stability, and social interaction throughout the pandemic. In some cases, people’s mental health and physical well-being were affected. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported increased substance use and overdoses during the pandemic. The stress of COVID-19 may have played a part in the increase in popularity of California sober. However, being California sober cannot replace substance addiction treatment.
California Sober
California sober is traditionally defined as smoking marijuana while staying away from drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, or opioids. A common practice is to avoid alcohol, too, although some do drink. Those who follow a California sober lifestyle use marijuana or alcohol in moderation.
The use of marijuana or alcohol doesn’t sound like sobriety because it isn’t. Clients can mistakenly think abstinence from certain drugs while using marijuana or drink in moderation is safer. As a result, they feel they can manage their substance use. Addiction experts show concern and dispute if a person with a SUD can stop at one drink or use marijuana at all. California sober can sound like a compromise to sobriety or a trend to follow, but it’s neither one.
Why Choose Substance Addiction Treatment?
- Substance use can damage the body and mind. A client can change and begin to heal from the harmful effects caused by their substance of choice.
- There is a path to addiction, and any addiction causes severe damage to emotional and physical health. Substances can be dangerous regardless of whether they are alcohol, stimulants, hallucinogens, or depressants.
- Excessive substance use might damage personal relationships and harm work relationships.
- Substance addiction treatment is non-judgemental. The focus is to provide the best care tailored for the individual.
Substance addiction holds potential harm to you or loved ones who use alcohol or drugs. When the underlying reason for use is not addressed, physical and mental damage will persist, sometimes with deadly results.
Alternative Therapies
When you decide to stop using substances, you commit to your health. Abstinence combined with treatment, aftercare, meetings, individual therapy, or a spiritual connection creates a strong foundation in your recovery. Holistic therapies provided in addiction treatment are positive ways to replace unhealthy habits with habits that can build a positive life. These therapies are also helpful in preventing relapse:
- Yoga: The practice of yoga integrates breathwork and attention to the body. It can build a strong foundation for sobriety.
- Meditation: An essential part of sobriety is learning how to replace harmful reactions and feelings with positive feelings or reactions. Meditation guides you to assess situations and find a positive solution to an issue.
- Finding a Spiritual Path: Being spiritual doesn’t necessarily mean being religious. For some people, religion is their form of spirituality, but activities like hiking in the woods, surfing, or playing guitar can also be spiritual practices.
When appropriate, involve family and friends in the recovery process. They can provide support when needed and seek the services of a detox or substance addiction center for you if necessary.
The way to work your sobriety is to maintain the healthy lifestyle you learned while you were in treatment. California sober might introduce substances back into your life, substances that can hurt you.
People with SUDs can find it challenging to slow down or stop using their substance of choice. In many cases, they can suffer severe consequences from their use-overdose, increased mental health issues, medical issues, or legal problems. Although California sober concepts are tempting, the harms caused by these methods are vast. Sobriety is abstaining from any dangerous substance; there isn’t much wiggle room.
Reluctance to Enter Treatment
California is actively watching the rates of COVID-19 infection and vaccination. The leading county for vaccinations is Los Angeles County. Reluctance to enter a program is understandable. A discussion about how substance addiction treatment centers protect their clients and staff from COVID-19 or other illnesses is essential to reduce fears. Ways to ease your fear or anxiety about beginning detox or treatment include:
- Visiting the center’s website to read how they are following state and federal regulations
- Calling the center for more information about their safety precautions
- Setting up a telehealth appointment to discuss concerns
Any of these procedures can reduce barriers to treatment over the risk of COVID-19.
California sober is a trend some celebrities and others across the nation have adopted. The foundation of “California sobriety” is accepting moderate use of marijuana or alcohol as a form of sobriety. They believe a person can abstain, reduce, or manage their use as a means of remaining sober. Those familiar with sobriety disagree with the concept of California sober. Treatment for substance addiction begins the process of healing mentally, physically, and holistically. The decision to stop using alcohol or drugs should also include deciding to enter a detox center whose staff is medically trained in the detoxification process. Alta Centers has medical professionals who are trained to aid those who are undergoing the detox process. The team can determine what is necessary for each person based on the emotional and psychological factors at the root of each person’s addiction. To find out more about detox and addiction treatment, call (888) 202-2583 today.
