Are There Health Benefits to Going ‘California Sober’?

Here’s what experts and medical research say about opting to go California sober. Always speak to your doctor for guidance on managing substance use.

What Does ‘California Sober’ Mean?

Overall, the point of going California sober shouldn’t be just to replace alcohol with another drug, but to lower intake of all substance use in making the swap (much like “Dry January”), Dr. Marino says.

The Potential Health Benefits of Going ‘California Sober’

Experts are cautious about touting benefits of the California sober approach, since it’s not right for everyone and can come with its own risks, Marino says. But if used as an attempt to reduce or reassess substance use, it may be a reasonable tactic for some individuals, he says.

1. May Reduce Alcohol Consumption

“By using marijuana when experiencing cravings to drink alcohol, an individual may find some relief from the alcohol cravings,” says Alison Tarlow, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and the chief clinical officer at Boca Recovery Center in Boca Raton, Florida. “However, this does not work for all people who are struggling with alcohol addiction,” Dr. Tarlow says.

2. May Reduce Use of Other Drugs

But while most drugs are considered “hard” or “soft” according to public perception, these are not clinical classifications, and misuse of any drug can be dangerous, says Tarlow.

3. May Help Soothe Anxiety and Pain

Instead of coping with stress or anxiety via alcohol, some choose to instead use a cannabis product that purportedly induces relaxation, Tarlow says.

Understanding the Potential Risks to Your Health

Here are some risks to be aware of:

• Marijuana can be addictive. Though it's perceived as safer than other drugs, going California sober with cannabis still has an addiction risk, Marino says.

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  There is also a potential for withdrawal symptoms, which can make it difficult to stop using marijuana.

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• You may end up drinking more alcohol. Research suggests that when young adults use alcohol and cannabis together (say, if you don’t quit drinking completely), it results in higher levels of intoxication.

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  The aforementioned American Journal of Psychiatry study that looked at alcohol and cannabis usage found that while the latter could reduce drinking, some people do drink more after using cannabis. That’s typically when individuals combine the two to enhance effects or use the substances together in social settings.

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• Marijuana can impair you and increase your risk of injury. “As we have seen increasing rates of cannabis use across the country over the past decade, we have seen increasing rates of impairment, motor vehicle accidents, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations related to cannabis, just to name a few, so it definitely still carries some risk,” Marino adds.

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• It isn’t safe to use if you’re pregnant. Using marijuana during pregnancy can put your health and your fetus’s at risk, including disruption of brain development or small birth size for your baby, and dizziness or breathing problems for you. There’s no evidence it can help with morning sickness, either. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics discourage cannabis use in pregnancy due to safety concerns.

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  Specifically, research shows that cannabis during pregnancy may affect the development of the placenta, blood flow, and nutrient exchange, potentially contributing to harmful effects for the baby both before and after birth.

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• It can worsen some mood disorders. Marijuana doesn’t help everyone cope with negative feelings. One review of 78 studies suggested that cannabis use may negatively influence the development, course, and prognosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder.

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Is California Sober Right for You?

“For people who are not ready to stop using all substances or do not have success with abstinence, it can be a good option, especially if they have had difficulty quitting everything cold turkey or are just starting to contemplate cutting back,” Marino says, but he adds that it’s necessary to speak to your healthcare provider about this specific approach before you give it a try.

People with psychiatric conditions, in particular, should be aware that substances like marijuana may worsen certain issues.

3 Tips for Navigating This Lifestyle

California sober is not risk-free and is also not for everybody: Staying informed and aware, knowing the possible drawbacks, and having a good support network are important, Marino says.

• Understand your relationships with other substances — and be open to seeking professional guidance. If you’re simply looking to drink a bit less, going California sober may be an option. But if you’re addicted to alcohol, you will likely need further support.

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  ”It is likely that if you do not address the issues that are underlying your addiction to any substances, the issue will remain and likely be a catalyst for further issues,” Tarlow says.
• Know it’s just one approach toward sobriety — and it may not work for you. “If you believe you can use marijuana and remain sober from other substances to which you were previously addicted, you should also be open-minded enough to recognize that California sober may not be right for you,” Tarlow says. Many people who have struggled with addiction and thought they could use some substances more safely have learned that any addictive substance will lead them back to their original addiction, she adds. Instead, it’s just one possible lifestyle approach to cutting back. There are also several other methods, like medication and behavioral therapy, that are backed by research and considered cornerstones of addiction treatment.

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• Use marijuana responsibly and in moderation. Never engage in higher-risk activities like driving, swimming, or skiing after using marijuana.

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  Don't overdo it: THC products sold in dispensaries are typically dosed in milligrams (mg), generally starting at 5 mg, says Tarlow. “Start with the lowest dose, or even half the dose, to see how your body reacts,” she adds. “Some people take longer to metabolize THC in the brain and body, therefore taking longer to experience the effects.” That may mean waiting hours before re-dosing. Avoid concentrates, which are easy to overdose on.

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When to Seek Professional Help

The Takeaway

• California sober refers to abstention from alcohol and “hard" drugs like cocaine or heroin and using marijuana instead.
• A California sober lifestyle may be an option for those looking to cut down on alcohol or other substances as part of a harm-reduction strategy.
• While it may help some people reduce their intake of certain substances or possibly manage anxiety and stress, going California sober has risks of its own, including addiction, injury, and harm to your fetus if you’re pregnant.
• The California sober approach is not right for certain individuals, including those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol — in these cases, seek professional help from your primary care physician or an addiction specialist.