Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings, and Willie Nelson have all sung about being “California sober,” a term that has gained popularity in recent years. But what exactly does it mean, and is it any healthier than drinking alcohol?
The concept of being “California sober” originated from the idea of transitioning away from alcohol to a “safer” alternative using cannabis-based products. According to Dr. Cara A. Poland, an addiction medicine doctor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, the term is used by people who are replacing a “more harmful” substance with a “less harmful” substance. While some may view marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol, experts caution that users should be aware of the risks associated with cannabis use.
One of the most well-known proponents of “California sober,” Demi Lovato, publicly shared her struggles with addiction and her version of the lifestyle in 2021. However, Lovato later acknowledged that “sober sober is the only way to be.” This shift in perspective highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining sobriety while navigating the pressures of fame and substance use.
Despite the allure of “California sober,” experts warn that using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol may not address the underlying issues that contribute to addiction. Dr. Lori Karan, director of the addiction medicine fellowship at Loma Linda University in California, emphasizes the importance of understanding the medical and psychiatric risks of cannabis, as well as the potential for using substances to mask unresolved trauma.
While some individuals may find that cutting out alcohol but still using marijuana helps them maintain balance in their lives, others may require a different approach to sobriety. It is essential for individuals struggling with addiction, including alcohol use disorder, to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized treatment options.
See also Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s tough Bronx persona is under fresh scrutiny with a resurfaced childhood nickname from her suburban upstate New York upbringing casting doubt on that publicly portrayed image. The progressive champion’s latest spat with President Donald Trump over the Iran strikes again called into question her true upbringing when she declared on X she was a “Bronx girl" to make her a point against the president. The 35-year-old congresswoman wrote in part on X: "I’m a Bronx girl. You should know that we can eat Queens boys for breakfast. Respectfully," she said, referring to the president’s upbringing in Queens as she called for his impeachment over his decision to bypass Congress in authorizing U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ocasio-Cortez was born in the Bronx but moved to Yorktown – which is nearly an hour outside New York City -- when she was 5 years old and went on to attend Yorktown High School where she graduated in 2007. She was considered an accomplished student there and well thought of by teacher Michael Blueglass, according to a 2018 report by local media outlet Halston Media News. “There, known by students and staff as ‘Sandy,’ she was a member of the Science Research Program taught by Michael Blueglass," the report states. “She was amazing," Blueglass said, per the report. “Aside from her winning one of the top spots and going to the [Intel International Science and Engineering Fair], she was just one of the most amazing presenters in all of the years I've been at Yorktown. Her ability to take complex information and explain it to all different levels of people was fantastic." After high school, Ocasio-Cortez attended Boston University, where she majored in economics and international relations, per the report. Ocasio-Cortez’s “Sandy" nickname — which carries a more suburban and preppy tone — appears to undercut her politically crafted image as a tough, inner-city fighter, one she has portrayed since her famous 2018 congressional campaign where she eventually ousted former 10-terms Congressman Joe Crowley. New York GOP Assemblyman Matt Slater, who now represents Yorktown, added to the scrutiny of Ocasio-Cortez’s persona in the wake of her brash with Trump and released images of Ocasio-Cortez from his high school yearbook. He claimed he and the rising Democratic star attended Yorktown High School at the same time when she was a freshman and he was a senior. "I saw the attacks on the president and her [Ocasio-Cortez] claims that she's a big, tough Bronx girl," said Slater. "To sit there and say that she’s a Bronx girl is just patently ridiculous." "Everybody in our community knows this is just a bold-face lie," said Slater on "Fox & Friends First" last week. "She grew up in Yorktown, she was on my track team." "She's lying about her background, she's lying about her upbringing," Slater claimed. Slater’s post sent social media ablaze and prompted Ocasio-Cortez to respond after an image if her family’s home was posted online. “I’m proud of how I grew up and talk about it all the time," Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X Friday responding to the post. “My mom cleaned houses and I helped. We cleaned tutors’ homes in exchange for SAT prep." “Growing up between the Bronx and Yorktown deeply shaped my views of inequality & it’s a big reason I believe the things I do today!"
The risks of alcohol consumption are well-documented, with research linking it to various types of cancer and other health problems. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to raise awareness of the potential cancer risk. As such, experts caution against viewing cannabis as a completely safe alternative to alcohol, as it can also pose risks to health and well-being.
In conclusion, the concept of being “California sober” is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of individual needs and circumstances. While some may find success in using cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and to seek professional guidance when navigating issues of addiction and substance use. Ultimately, sobriety is a personal journey that requires self-reflection, support, and a commitment to overall well-being.
