While most people view sobriety as complete abstinence from all substances, there are different paths to recovery. “California sober” is a term used to describe people recovering from addiction who use marijuana. Instead of completely avoiding all substances, they use THC products in moderation to lessen their chances of relapsing on their drug of choice.
California sober can be effective for some individuals, however, it is not right for everyone. It is possible to become addicted to weed, which means you must be able to moderate your cannabis use. Additionally, you should use medical marijuana, as your doctor can set limits for the amount of THC you are allowed to buy.
At Patrick’s Purpose, we understand that recovery looks different for everyone. If you use medical marijuana as a method of harm reduction or to treat a co-occurring condition, we will support you throughout your recovery journey. Our sober living program accepts individuals who partake in the Cali sober movement.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is Cali sober?
- What are the risks and benefits of being California sober?
- How does Patrick’s Purpose support medical marijuana clients?
What Does the Term “California Sober” Mean?
Being Cali sober is a lifestyle choice that some people in recovery from addiction make. The
California sober approach involves the use of marijuana. If you are sober from most addictive substances or harder drugs and use marijuana as a form of harm reduction or to treat a condition, you are engaging in the California sober lifestyle.
Cali sober became a trend a few years ago when famous people like Demi Lovato went public about their participation in the movement. If you’ve struggled with addiction, you know how hard it can be to stay completely sober. For some people, using marijuana prevents them from relapsing on drugs and alcohol.
It is important to note that many people in the recovery community view the California sober lifestyle as a “slippery slope.” They think that using marijuana will eventually cause you to return to other forms of substance abuse. That said, only you and your therapist know the truth about whether cannabis use is harming or helping your sobriety.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Being Cali Sober?
Recovering from alcohol or drug abuse is never easy. Some people believe the only path to recovery is complete abstinence. While this is true for some individuals, it might not be right for you.
Cali sober involves the use of cannabis while you refrain from using any other mind-altering substance. It can reduce harm and help you treat co-occurring physical or mental health conditions.
It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks of the Cali sober approach before choosing it for yourself.
Benefits
If you do not feel ready to give up all substances, Cali sober might be a good compromise. It provides you with the ability to use a less harmful drug and curb cravings for substances you are sober from. Additionally, medical marijuana can be used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including chronic pain.
The benefits of the Cali sober lifestyle include:
- Choosing your own path to sobriety
- Managing co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or insomnia with marijuana
- Using marijuana to treat chronic pain instead of more harmful substances like opioids
- Curbing cravings for other substances by using marijuana, lessening your chances of life-threatening risks like overdoses
Risks
While the Cali sober approach can be beneficial for some, it doesn’t work for everyone. There are some risks associated with using marijuana while you are in recovery from addiction.
The risks of the Cali sober lifestyle include:
- Lacking clear boundaries for substance abuse and relapsing on other drugs
- Masking underlying issues with marijuana instead of receiving treatment
- An increased risk of experiencing psychosis from marijuana use, especially if you have underlying mental health conditions
- Developing an addiction to cannabis
How Does Patrick’s Purpose Support Cali Sober Clients?
At Patrick’s Purpose, we allow clients who use medical marijuana to participate in our sober living program. We understand that cannabis can treat a wide range of conditions, including:[1]
- Chronic pain
- Seizure disorders
- Muscle spasms
- Appetite loss or eating disorders
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Sleep disorders
If a medical professional has prescribed marijuana to treat your physical or mental health condition, we will support you through your California sober journey. One of the ways we offer support is through our Go Green Meetings.
Go Green Stay Clean is for individuals who have been recommended cannabis for medical purposes; a meeting that allows for its use can provide an additional layer of support and may help to reduce the risk of relapse.
In addition, a meeting that allows for the use of medically recommended cannabis can provide a supportive environment for individuals who may feel isolated or stigmatized because of their medical condition. By allowing for the use of medically recommended cannabis, attendees can feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges and may be more likely to seek and receive support from others in attendance.
At Patrick’s Purpose, we accept clients where they are at. If you need medical marijuana to treat a condition or stay sober, we will be here to support you. Your recovery journey might look different from other people, and that is okay.
Get Connected to a Sober Living Program That Accepts Medical Marijuana Clients
If you or a loved one is Cali sober and recently completed an addiction treatment program, you might want to consider sober living. While some sober living programs discriminate against the Cali sober approach, Patrick’s Purpose welcomes clients who have a medical marijuana prescription.
Contact us today to learn more about how we support clients who are California sober.