In recent months, the term “California Sober” has surged in popularity, dominating conversations online, on social media, and even in mainstream media outlets. But what does “California Sober” actually mean, and why is it suddenly so trendy?
Let’s unpack the meaning, explore why it’s trending, and discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with this lifestyle choice.
“California Sober” typically refers to abstaining from alcohol and most substances while selectively using cannabis—and sometimes psychedelics—in moderation.
It’s seen by some as a more relaxed approach to sobriety, allowing individuals to manage or reduce harmful consumption habits without completely abstaining from all psychoactive substances.
Embed News noted in their informational video on their YouTube channel; “The Urban Dictionary defined as abstaining from alcohol and drugs except for marijuana”. Although we can recognize that Urban Dictionary is hardly a credible source for medical information, they did in fact get this one right. Many people are ditching complete abstinence recovery programs for methods like this at higher rates than ever before. Let’s take a deeper look into why exactly that is.
The phrase gained widespread attention after celebrities like Demi Lovato openly described their experience adopting a “California Sober” lifestyle. Celebrity endorsement can significantly amplify awareness and normalization, especially around nuanced approaches to sobriety.
I came across an article on salon.com about Demi’s recovery choice where they quoted her interview with CBS where she explained:
“I really don’t feel comfortable explaining the parameters of my recovery to people,” Lovato responded, “because I don’t want anyone to look at my parameters of safety and think that’s what works for them, because it might not.“
The important takeaway here is the emphasis on personal recovery plans that fit the individuals needs. There is no “one size fits all” solution to recovery and what works for one person may not be the best for another. If you are curious in the California Sober movement we encourage you to do some research into it and make a decision based on your personal needs and not the influence of others who say it worked for them!
There’s a cultural shift toward reducing stigma around cannabis and psychedelics, partly due to evolving legalization and decriminalization efforts. As public acceptance grows, alternative sobriety approaches like “California Sober” naturally attract attention.
A nationwide leader in the treatment space, The Meadows, recently broke down the good and the bad of this movement towards alternative treatment approaches that include these substances:
“Based on a large clinical trial in 2022 disclosed by NBC News, psychedelics along with psychotherapy helped alcoholics reduce their drinking for at least eight months.“
On the surface, this could be perceived as a positive as it highlights the reduction of alcohol consumption, and again for those individuals it very well could have been what they needed, but the problem lies in these studies being on a small sample of people and being conceived as a generalized treatment plan for everyone. The Meadows then go on to expand on the other side of the coin:
“Yet psychedelics can be psychologically destabilizing, even generating psychotic episodes. Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, tells The Times: “[Using psychedelics] can be very revealing, but for others it can be very traumatizing.”
It’s time to double down on the idea that recovery is a highly personal experience and there are many different variables that go into successful treatment and maintained recovery, and there will never be a universal answer to this problem. If you are looking into using these alternative substances as a form of treatment, it is vital you consult a medical professional and not rely on one sided studies or testimonies of individuals who may not be in complete alignment with you!
The rise of personalized wellness trends emphasizes tailored health strategies over one-size-fits-all solutions. Many individuals resonate with a more flexible, personalized path to recovery that “California Sober” seems to offer. In the modern era of treatment, many programs are going in on the individualized treatment plan model, but what does that mean, and how does it relate to being California Sober? In the treatment industry individualized plans often refer to different clinical modalities offered to treat individual traumas and other issues.
The problem is, this practice is getting lumped into movements like California Sober, which is not medically recommended or proven at all. Cali Sober is a movement not a modality and shouldn’t be treated as so! If you have any questions on what treatment plan is right for you, please reach out to a licensed professional to help you make that decision!
Honestly, it depends, and I don’t think there is truly a definitive answer to the question “Is California Sober Right For Me?”. I know that’s not the clean, buttoned-up answer people want, but it’s the truth. In the addiction and mental health space, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that recovery doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all label. It’s messy. It’s personal. And what works for one person might completely backfire for someone else.
“California sober” is a term that’s been gaining momentum lately. For most, it means staying away from hard drugs and alcohol, but still using cannabis or psychedelics. For some, that approach feels more realistic and aligned with where they are in life. For others, it’s a slippery slope back to old patterns.
So, how do you answer “Is California Sober Right For Me?”
Start by getting brutally honest with yourself. Are you using these substances as tools for healing and connection—or as an escape hatch? If weed or mushrooms are helping you stay grounded, reflect, and stay off harder stuff, that might actually feel like progress. But if they’re just replacing what you used before, you might be trading one crutch for another.
It also comes down to your support system. Traditional recovery spaces don’t always embrace the California sober mindset. So you’ve gotta ask: who’s in your corner? Are they open-minded? Do they understand your goals, or are they pushing their own version of what recovery “should” look like?
And maybe the biggest question of all: are you doing this because it feels right—or because you’re afraid of giving something up?
There’s no shame in exploring. You’re allowed to question what recovery looks like for you. And if it changes over time, that’s okay too. At Plugged In Recovery, we meet people where they’re at. No judgment. No pressure to fit into a mold. Just real conversations, real support, and a focus on progress over perfection.
At the end of the day, California sober might be the right fit—or it might be a stepping stone toward something else. Either way, if you’re asking the question, you’re already doing the work. That’s what matters.
As a content creator and recovery advocate for Plugged In Recovery, Eric blends lived experience with a deep understanding of mental health and addiction treatment to create real, relatable content that meets people where they are.
After beginning his own recovery journey in 2020, Eric quickly realized that true progress comes when treatment aligns with your individual needs—not someone else’s expectations. Now, he uses his platform to share honest insights, challenge outdated narratives, and help others find a path that feels authentic, empowering, and sustainable.
When he’s not writing or connecting with the community, you’ll probably find him sipping black coffee, digging into creative projects, or encouraging others to keep showing up—one day at a time.
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