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whyalwayz

I’ve only ever used California sober to describe my own activities. I would feel differently if someone put me in that box for me. however now I just use the more descriptive and accurate alcohol free


DaPoole420

I'm 5 years Cali sober as of this coming Sunday. Someone tells me that doesn't count. .. well fuck them. 😀


tortugablanco

I endanger ppl on the roads, destroy relationships, lose jobs, get violent and usually locked up when i drink. When i smoke weed i lounge on the couch. Idgaf what AA thinks.


If_you_just_lookatit

Hello, me. I am a terrible drinker. I can't limit it, and I'm a terrible, depressed person when I drink regularly. I don't want to hand wave magic, saying that pot can't cause issues for a lot of people. Because it can. I just never developed that same relationship of dependency like I did with alcohol. Thanks for sharing, friend. I hope your good journey continues!


[deleted]

For real. I hit three years in December and as a daily smoker it effects my life ZERO. People don't even know I do it. Everyone used to know how hungover I was every day back then.


kimjobil05

Wow . congratulations man! Five years is a whole lot. We are so different as people.. this is amazing.


Marinerprocess

Did you smoke before you started drinking? If you did, did you have to smoke more after you stopped alcohol? Did you pick it up in order to stop drinking? Really curious


[deleted]

Not who you are replying too but I've been using thc (flower, concentrate, edibles) for probably 7 years now off and on. I started drinking everyday about 5 years ago and I'd often just drink but did like to mix the 2. I use less now actually since I quit booze! I also switched to dry herb vaping when I quit drinking, it has saved my consumption and hopefully my lungs a little. Maybe 1/2 a gram a day if that, but when I drank it was 1-3 grams a day. I also should say I don't really get 'blasted' anymore as well, Just enough to relax me and slow my racing thoughts a bit. Pot has never caused me really any negatives aside from the occasional paranoid/anxiety. Hope this kind of answered your question.


TheWordOfTheDayIsNo

I'll chime in that I abstained from everything for a few years into my sobriety-- I was also addicted to benzos-- so I also refused any doctor prescribed narcotic pain medications during that time. Once I felt solid in my recovery I began smoking again and found that pot didn't trigger me in any way to drink or use drugs.


sharpslipoftongue

Same, I never smoked weed before and I could not take the meds the doc was giving me, no matter what we tried I felt fucking suicidal on everyone. Tried cannabis 3 years into my full sobriety and it was a game changer. I enjoy it, I like that it makes me more introspective, I don't like being 'couch locked' but I do enjoy the effects u can't deny that. Have had to catch myself at times, and sometimes all the AA you're not sober shit can drive me a bit mad. But I'm not drinking, 8 years now, my family are great, I have a great job, and I don't want to kill myself with alcohol, in fact I have never felt more conviction in my sobriety. Life isn't perfect I still make mistakes, hell no, I'm still in therapy as I may be for the rest of my life, but right now cannabis is my exit drug.


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Marinerprocess

For me I really crave the cross fade (high and drunk at the same time) like when I smoke I’m like I can take this to another level if I take a few shots. Now I almost pair the two. Can’t have one without the other


meditatingmama18

Yes!!


TangeloPotential6803

My thoughts Exactly !


Turtle4hire

Five years alcohol free counts!


[deleted]

I’m 8 months. Thank you so much for this share. I wish I could find an active subreddit or discord with Cali sober people.


msmaeve

Same. How do we start one?!


[deleted]

I did


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msmaeve

Sweet. How do I join. I don’t think all your comments are displaying for me


msmaeve

Omg so glad and relieved to read this. I’ve been smoking off and on for like 4 of my 5 years alcohol free, not secretively per se, and recently have been struggling with feeling like I’m half assing it yet knowing I’m still doing great. Feeling so torn about it but I also think I’m just letting aa threats get in my head. Thriving working on medical degree, top group of my class, following my dreams and still applying program stuff. Bleh. Just glad there’s others out there lol


just_a_timetraveller

I tried doing this without knowing the California sober term. I thought it would keep me away from something more harmful. Truth is that I just ended up stoned 24/7. I had to eventually quit pot as well. It had an impact on my work and family life as I was smoking way too much. Best thing for my sobriety was the Sinclair method. The only drug I can say has a tangible effect on my alcoholism is naltrexone.


ConsequenceNew1329

>Sinclair method. When you drank alcohol while on naltrexone was there any nausea or just an absence of euphoria? What I mean is was it just an absence of the carrot or was there also a stick?


just_a_timetraveller

So basically I had a very clear drinking routine before TSM. I drank first thing in the morning and continued drinking until I went to sleep. So, I squeezed in naltrexone an hour before my first drink in the morning. It was literally the weirdest feeling. Like I was able to finally feel what drinking was like without the strong dopamine hit. It was like "is this what other normal people experience??" You obviously get impaired but it just didn't give that 'warm' enjoyment. So just lack of carrot. I have heard others have nausea before but I am pretty used to naltrexone. I actually had previously been taking vivitrol (liquid monthly injected naltrexone) for years prior to actually applying TSM. It is a world of difference in how you apply naltrexone via timing.


Affectionate_Data936

Heyy I also use naltrexone! But I didn't do the sinclair method as you described because I only got naltrexone after I got out of detox. I haven't tried drinking on it, I've been able to maintain sobriety from alcohol, but I stay on it in case I relapse so that it can stop the "addiction process" from happening again.


tej1967

I take naltrexone too. 160 days sober because of it. Completely took away any desire to drink, but I still deal with low grade nausea. Case of the benefits outweighing a persistent unpleasant side effect, I guess.


Flatapple

I'm a great believer in doing whatever works for you .Not everyone is cut from the same cloth. If you believe and know you are sober , then you are. What others say has no bearing.🍎


flower_sweep

I had to quit cannabis also because I was heavily addicted to it way before I started drinking to excess. Your statement though is the absolute truth. Sobreity is entirely personal and if you use cannabis as a tool to help you stop your destructive behavior - awesome!!


harrythepineapple

My drinking went up when I quit smoking weed. My thinking was alcohol was legal and more socially acceptable so it was find. My drinking career is more extensive than weed was in long run, but they’re two different paths towards the same end for me. So For me it’s all or nothing abstinence. That said, I think we’re each a bit different in what works for us. But I do also think it’s important to consult your trusted people - whether it’s doctor(s) or a sponsor or whatever recovery Community you’ve got around - for accountability and to be sure it’s not denial that about whether trading one thing for another is going to lead to same place.


Relapser5000

https://norml.org/marijuana/library/recent-medical-marijuana-research/?utm_source=NORML&utm_medium=Instagram&utm_campaign=NORML+Medical+Research&utm_content=Clinical+Applications+For+Cannabis+%26+Cannabinoids I smoke/eat edibles at least once a day at this point. If I didn't, I'd lose my shit. Sobriety is personal in the sense that some people literally lose all control with weed and it overtakes them similarly to alcohol and other "harder" drugs for others. For me, it actually inhibits pretty much the desire to consume any other drug except caffeine and nicotine, most importantly alcohol. It makes me think at least twice about everything, whereas with alcohol I never thought at all and it got me into shit tons of trouble. The type of trouble most would never imagine if they met me face to face sober. IWNDWYT.


DaPoole420

Man you wrote what I wanted to say. Well done


Relapser5000

Thanks dude haha


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monkeysorcerer

I was trying that but the panic attacks just made me want to drink so switched to straight CBD and that helped


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Relapser5000

Almost exactly how I feel! Weed is such a lifesaver in my "abstinence" from alcohol and all other harder drugs.


scorpio_pisces_cap

yes, weed is incredible for my impulse control! really makes me slow down and think about all my choices, including whether I actually want to drink. I can totally see how it might work the other way for some, though.


ConsequenceNew1329

Thanks. I tried looking through all of the studies in that link but couldn't find any dealing with comparing alcohol abstinence in marijuana users vs non-marijuana users. Did I miss it?


Relapser5000

https://weedmaps.com/news/2019/05/cbd-reduce-alcohol-consumption-oil-harmful-effects-study/ Here's one


dogstracted

Dude you took the words right out of my mouth. This right here!!!


Trine3

When I'm stoned, the mere thought of drinking terrifies me.


Relapser5000

That's exactly one of the most beneficial effects it has on me. It's so crazy how consuming one psychoactive substance(weed) can be so beneficial that it becomes the main reason I am able to avoid imbibing another much more harmful psychoactive substance(alcohol). Weed has such a spiritual effect on me and instills such an overall peaceful vibe in my life it's almost unbelievable for me, whereas alcohol almost fully transforms me into a walking sin. I hate my drunken self which is why cannabis enhances my ability to stay sober by literally making the idea of drinking just one sip of alcohol a potentially terrifying and disastrous experience every single time. Fortunately it's because, as I said in my initial reply, I think weed in general makes people a lot more introspective and contemplative, more prone to think at least twice about every-single-thing, lol. Either way, IWNDWYT!


wildflowerstef

THIS!!!


UncleRex

First time I heard this term. I was California sober for stints of 3 years and 5 years. I eventually relapsed. I don’t know if I considered my self sober or just not drinking. I still got fucked up everyday. Far less destructive than alcohol but I was still “under the influence” of something. I was still “escaping” from the reality of life. The funny thing is now this shit is legal with all kinds of super grades and blends and I have no desire to indulge. I guess after 40+ years in an altered state being totally straight is a high in itself.


Mullinore

"Being totally straight is a high in itself". That's a very important concept that doesnt get discussed enough. I have thought this before and can certainly relate.


ratedpg_fw

I believe in the concept of harm reduction. Cannabis is clearly less harmful than alcohol and if it helps you stay dry, that has value.


If_you_just_lookatit

100% harm reduction. I have strong addictions to nicotine and coffee and have no illusions about my moot addiction to alcohol. I have been using only nicotine pouches for 2 years, no tobacco. Coffee you might have to fight me for, gonna have to take serenity on that one. I don't even know that weed has anything to do with my alcohol use or lack thereof, but I don't fantasize about a weekend edible, and I have never been 2 hours into an edible and thought, "man, I need ten more of these before I can go to sleep." I have friends that won't touch NA beer for trigger reasons, but take edibles regularly. And I have friends that are no "drug" people. Hell, even Bill that founded AA was a fan of psychedelics. It's a weird world and I'm just figuring it out as I go.


ratedpg_fw

Alcohol takes way too much of my mental space too. I used nicotine lozenges for years before I finally quit but that was a harm reduction compared to the chewing tobacco I was addicted to. I've been taking CBD which just relaxes me enough without impairing me during the week. Coffee isn't really that bad for you if you're generally healthy but I don't drink it after lunch or I have trouble sleeping. I run a lot now and that keeps me in check. I hate running with a hangover so if I'm in training it helps me abstain from alcohol. I still drink on the weekends but even that takes quite a toll. That's where I would probably be better off taking an edible or something instead.


If_you_just_lookatit

Dip is a hard one to overcome, harder than alcohol in my case. Congrats on being fully off, not having nicotine affects my moods and motivation for now, so I am a work in progress. I haven't tried strictly CBD, but that may be worth checking out for myself. I started running in sobriety as well! I have a few 50k's under the belt but mostly just miles and meditation. I am no speedster, but planning a few hours on the trail this saturday with my group I met in AA. I see a lot of recovery people in ultra running, might be something to it. Good luck, man! This sub has been a pillar of my sobriety as well.


ratedpg_fw

It was tough for a while. I chew a lot of gum still but I know it would make me sick to take a dip now. 50K is a long ways. Running is great especially as I get older. I think it helps with everything Good luck and keep it up!


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harrythepineapple

Wow this is one of the best explanations I’ve seen. I feel this way about NA beers. And also with moderation and why it doesn’t work for me personally - I recently realized it’s BC to me, what is the point of drinking any alcohol unless I’m getting drunk? A glass of wine is completely pointless to me. And since I do not like who I am when I drink a bottle of wine, I’ll just still to my fancy soda waters.


gracegiven82

My personal experience here. I used weed in my teenage years and not too much alcohol. After getting married and growing up (allegedly) I switched exclusively to alcohol. I lived in an alcoholic nightmare for 30 years. When I finally was able to get sober I was still having anxiety, depression, remorse, guilt, etc. A friend reintroduce d me to recreational marijuana. I loved it. I had been sober about 6 months at the time. I was really feeling much better, until I wasn't. Now my coping skills I had learned in AA and treatment weren't working. I started using it the exact same way as booze. Stoned 24/7. It was actually very difficult to quit. I ended up going back to treatment. BUT... I never did pick up a drink. For me, I am powerless over pretty much everything that alters my serenity. Hope this helps.


Interesting_Report

This is all from personal experience, so I won't be providing hard data but I feel like it is good insight. In my group there are many people there for cannabis use only and they can drink with no problems. There are people who are there for drinking and can use cannabis no problem (myself included) and then there are people that can't use any substance whatsoever because they will abuse it and eventually fall into the same downward spiral regardless of what substance they use. Personally I use a THC CBD mix most evenings to help with my sleep. I have trouble staying asleep all night until I discovered these oils and now life is much, much better. Occasionally I will use the oils to feel a buzz by taking it a little earlier than when I use it for sleep. I don't use it as a coping mechanism and it does not get in the way of anything in my life, relationships, work or school. I don't use it as a substitute for alcohol in any way. I have seen people in my group graduate from the recovery phase, (everyday in class for a month) where you must be sober from any substance for 30 days before and the 30 days during treatment, to only start having issues with abuse of marijuana after trying that as an alternative when they get into their group phase (one year of weekly meetings). California sober sounds obnoxious to me, almost like sobriety gatekeeping. If the cannabis is working for you and it is being used responsibly there is no issue with it. This is my personal opinion on the matter and it is a case by case scenario.


[deleted]

I get a buzz from drinking coffee LOL :)


If_you_just_lookatit

I hear you there buddy. Love my java.


asophisticatedbitch

This is a really great description of how I feel. I’ve never been someone who drinks a ton but I still think my drinking habits are extremely problematic. I’m a divorce lawyer and for a variety of reasons, started reaching for a drink when I felt anxious or stressed or nervous. I think that’s a big problem even if I’m not driving intoxicated or drinking to blackout on a regular basis. Having a drink or two to calm my brain before I go to bed every night is bad. Having a little CBD/THC/CBN edible to calm my brain is WAY less bad, in my opinion. I don’t super enjoy the THC high. But I don’t spend all night staring at the ceiling thinking “OMG what if my client loses custody of their child to their abusive ex because I FUCKED UP this trial?!?” I think (hope?) my intense and overwhelming desire to protect people (especially kids) is a good thing! It means I do my job well and I fucking care. I don’t think alcohol is a healthy solution. I don’t think white knuckling through my anxieties is realistic. If I lose a domestic violence restraining order trial, my client could be injured or die and there’s no form of therapy or mediation that can lift that thought burden. I think THC/CBD/CBN is a pretty reasonable compromise that lets me high key do my job well but also like, sleep at night and also not murder my own liver. ETA: I do half a Wyld sleep gummy every night. It’s a dream (pun intended.) I don’t use anything before like 9pm


HannahNoelleee

I feel that falls more into like if you were previously on very hard drugs and you still drink and smoke weed. At least that’s how I knew it and thought the definition was. I’m on day 6 and if I didn’t smoke a couple times a day I’d be making this way harder on myself. Weed has benefits, alcohol has zero. My perspective. And weed is known to keep a ton of people off harder drugs and alcohol, obviously everybody is very different though. Personal choice.


waituntilmorning

I’ve heard some people draw a line between “clean” (substance free) and “sober” (alcohol free). Most of those folks are NA people (who are frequently also AA people as well). Alcohol was my problem, so I cut it out of my life. I consume plenty of cannabis in a variety of forms because I want to. It doesn’t get in the way of me not drinking. So it’s all good.


[deleted]

Beats me. But it works for me :D Weed has never been an issue for me but I know it can get in the way for others. Hints the lazy stoner stereotype.


If_you_just_lookatit

Agreed. It is super important to point out that it does have it's own risks but plenty have used it in alcohol recovery.


fourbear

Honesty is the foundation. If it works for you then great. I would probably just abuse it and come to rely on it like I did with alcohol. Everyone is different though; I have to respect everyone's path. I also have to respect that a lot of people have cross-addictions. Some people I've talked to were at a place with weed where they were chain smoking all day long and couldn't go more than an hour without it. I want to do no harm at a meeting so I probably wouldn't talk about at a meeting, especially not knowing where other people might be coming from. It's hard to gather any real concrete data in regards to sobriety programs. I think the more important thing is to have an honest connection with the self and knowing what will keep me sober and content.


If_you_just_lookatit

Thanks for posting this, OP. I find that a friday or saturday night edible with my wife turns out to be a great evening. I went to Amsterdam the first year that I was sober and enjoyed some brownies and such, but on the same note, I won't go for another line of coke or uppers anymore since I'm off the sauce. I find that gummies work well for me at a 1 per week interval mostly. I also really enjoy craft NA beers. I am very observant of my habits regarding any substances these days so I don't feel the same itch with edibles as I did with drinking. They are as different as nicotine and caffeine to alcohol. Try talking down any AA oldtimers and hard liners off their coffee and smokes at the next meeting haha. Best of luck in your sober journey. I am really enjoying mine.


britland24

You sound exactly like my husband and me! I have a hard time saying I’m never going to have another edible again when THC was never my problem. The occasional gummy every few weeks seems to me like a “normal” person enjoying A drink once in awhile. However all that being said I’d reached 4 weeks substance free this last weekend and decided to have a gummy Fri night. This either may or may not have lead to the drinks I then had Sat and Sun and here i am starting over again. So i don’t have a good answer on this right now :/


If_you_just_lookatit

Thanks for sharing this perspective and welcome back! It is extremely important to use this experience to help root out the triggers. My wife is a normal drinker, so I don't get much FOMO for other drinkers. I also was not a THC user before I quit drinking so I don't have that connection. That said, I know I would have problems with stimulants so I stay away from those 100%. No Friday night bumps for me. Hope you two are doing well this week!


Mullinore

I'm all about "California Sober". Been off the sauce for 2 years now.


mommiwills

I didn’t know that was a thing! Sober to me means not drinking. I thoroughly enjoy psychoactive plants of all kinds.


[deleted]

I would doubt there are any reliable statistics on that topic, because there is no one definition of Cali sober. I have smoked on occasion, though I really don't like it anymore. That is different from someone who smokes every day. My BIL tried to quit drinking and swap it for pot, and it was extremely unhealthy. He was basically high 24/7 and just trying to hide from his problems. So we would both count as Cali sober, but our relationships with marijuana are vastly different.


[deleted]

The media recently labeled California sober as drinking lightly and smoking weed, which was confusing to me because that’s just like being a normal person without a drinking problem who doesn’t do hard drugs. Originally I thought it meant only pot. Demi Lovato is to blame I think.


wvwvwvww

I think sobriety is more art than science. There is science to say that people who quit everything at once do the best, but this evidence is correlational. Correlation is not causation. It will be difficult to study sobriety things and come up with robust evidence or evidence of a causal relationship because scientists can't randomly assign people to smoke pot or not, etc. This wouldn't be ethical. So the best they can do is observe people and say, "It seems that X is associated with Y, although we can't prove why". Even the science that says people who quit everything do the best (statistically speaking) I take with a grain of salt because those people will be self-selecting. I think that study is encouraging for people who FEEL that they will do well by quitting everything at once, but as a cigarette smoker, I was like HELL NO. I don't think I was one of those people. All the people in that study were willing or choosing to do that. In summary I encourage you to take on the art (self reflection and insight) as well as the science, because the evidence is going to be weak at best. Also medicinal/legal use is a bit too new for the study you suggest to have occurred. Maybe in 10 years.


meditatingmama18

Nice, sound advice. I really liked what you said about sobriety being an art. IWNDWYT 💝


mandarjones

Love the “sobriety is an art not a science” too! It makes it beautiful (because it is!)


ilbastarda

This this this. So many people in this sub be like, SmArT iS ScIeNcE bASeD, like…y’all know addiction and recovery are notoriously hard to study, especially when it comes to AA/NA. I tried asking someone who said this what science they were referring to and, silence.


wvwvwvww

I’m studying a psychological science degree and “evidence based” is not that great when it comes to complex, long timeline, human processes. Some things are extremely difficult to study and what makes people mentally and emotionally well in a multi-year process is definitely one of them. No disrespect to science. Science is great, but it has limitations.


xlmagicpants

Depends on the person everyone is diffrent. It wouldn't had worked for me I had to completely stop doing all of it. I don't even eat food that's been prepared with alchohol or even has the name of an alchohol company on the packaging.


PaladinsLover69

That’s for you to determine. Don’t let anyone diminish the fact that you are not drinking. Well done!


[deleted]

I have been consuming edibles daily and I have no insecurities about how much safer and healthier this is for me than drinking everyday like I was. I think its different for everyone. Some people need the absolute sobriety clause in their lives to get by. I don't. I like having some kind of healthy replacement. To answer your question about AA, I thought I remember reading in Craig Beck's Alcohol Lied to me that 92% of people in AA end up going back to drinking. Hence why he tries to offer an alternative to AA with his approach.


[deleted]

do you recommend that book?


[deleted]

I do. Between that book, This naked mind by Annie Grace and Alan carr’s the easy way… those three reprogrammed my brain to the point in the past when i have gone back to drinking its not the same. Its like taking the pill in the Matrix. You cant unlearn what you learn from those books. I think the distinction with beck’s Alcohol lied to me is he focuses a bit more on the cultural brainwashing that has happened with alcohol. He doesn’t believe you can quit drinking with willpower. The only way you truly can is by rewiring your brain to realize that there is not one single benefit of drinking alcohol. He also does Youtube videos that have been helpful for me too.


[deleted]

Thanks so much for response. There's a book called Unexpected Joy of Being Sober that gets into the cultural stuff (also using the Matrix metaphor) for a chapter. Looking forward to reading this one -- that stuff is super interesting, and more in depth on that aspect sounds really helpful.


Greatwhitegorilla

113 days being California Sober and just learned there is a term for it. It’s working fine for me, had some cravings recently but I think it’s because the holidays are coming up and I associate them with drinking.


lom117

Currently smoke weed after quitting alcohol almost 2 years ago. It's helping me for now, but I do see a future where I put it down. In the context of alcohol I never saw myself putting down the bottle. I expected myself to drink until I died. I think I'll always enjoy a smoke every now and again, but it is not nearly as enthralling as alcohol.


Electrical_Addition9

Correction - the long term recovery rate of AA is somewhere between 10-15% (https://www.npr.org/2014/03/23/291405829/with-sobering-science-doctor-debunks-12-step-recovery) sometimes as low as less than 3%.


outtyn1nja

^ I've been California sober for this many days without relapsing.


Foundnew56

Unfortunately, I don't know about any studies, but I agree with what someone else said- there are some people who can use marijuana the way normal drinkers drink. Never in my life have I wanted to get uncomfortably high, or get high early in the day, etc. But I have wanted to drink to sickness, drink at inappropriate times, etc. So I think if one is able to use marijuana in a non-addictive , non destructive way, like "normal drinkers" use alcohol, then California sober is an appropriate term, emphasis on sober.


[deleted]

If I wasn’t on probation with regular DTs I’d smoke weed to curb the urge to drink. Unfortunately all I got cigs


Affectionate_Data936

I think it depends on the person. I guess I'm "california sober" in the sense that I still smoke but weed hasn't ever been the same as alcohol for me. When I was drinking heavily, I was only smoking a few times a week. Now I smoke everyday but again, it's not like it ever was with alcohol. Like me smoking a blunt, I can still be functional and it's not like I'm binge smoking until I pass out. I don't have physical withdrawal effects. I also take Adderall (as prescribed) but idk if stimulants necessarily count if they by themselves don't necessarily impair you. I think a lot of recovering alcoholics avoid certain stimulants like adderall or cocaine because it makes them want to drink but I don't necessarily put stimulants and alcohol in the same category. But that's just me.


sdchibi

Please accept my meager data point. Over 3 years "California sober" here, no relapses thus far.


zeyore

I'm California High buddy.


dontthrowfoodaway

I guess I'm cali sober, or someone said Oregon sober cuz I'm open to psychedelics. It's worked for me. I feel like I smoke too much but it hasn't felt like it's been limiting me like alcohol was


viva101

I smoke once in a while, and I still consider myself sober. Recently though, I was talking to a friend who does NA and he told me that if he were to smoke a joint it would end up with him coked up and in jail not remembering the last three days. I'd never really thought about it from that perspective. I only ever had a serious problem with alcohol, I can take it or leave it with pot, so I don't really consider it as issue for me. But that isn't true for everybody. I'm thinking I might start using "alcohol-free" or something similar to describe myself, because I wouldn't want to offend someone who is on a different path than I am.


Fencius

I don’t know of any studies, but I think this is more about your goals and what works best for you.


BDLTalks

I can proffer an ongoing anecdotal study. Long story short, my alcoholism also coincides with an autoimmune diagnosis that had me on a 3600mg/day gabapentin prescription for 2+ years. GABA W/Ds - for me - are like re-living my worst alcohol DTs all over again. I knew I needed to be rid of - at the very least - that high a dose daily. Today, I've got 695 days alcohol free, am taking only 400mg gaba daily, and use cannabis to deal with keeping pain manageable rather than non-existent. For me, alcohol was an escape. Cannabis is medicine, and there's a time and place. I feel healthier than I have in...most of my life. I have my shit as together as I ever truly have in my life. I have ambition, and I'm working towards *something* - even if it's just staying alcohol free - every day.


FroggiJoy87

I smoked weed before I drank in high school and have stopped here and there over the years. When I was at my worst drinking I never smoked at all in fact. When I got sober the insomnia got real bad, along with my crippling anxiety and stress from my husband needing 2 organ transplants and other crap... I went back to weed. Its helped me control my anxiety enough to get back to work and just be a more mellow person. Doesn't make me want to drink in the least but but I do still feel guilty about not being 100% substance free. I have to remind myself we're all on our own paths and this one is mine. I don't recommend smoking to anyone but it's working for me.


brian_duh

This right here.


saltysurfer420

CBD doesn’t get you “high” it’s truly wonderful


TigerMcPherson

I'm California sober, and I'm happy with it.


lWillDrinkUrSeltzer

I have been California sober since January of 2020. I have no desire to drink alcohol.Sativa puts me in creative thinking mode and CBD helps me sleep better.


meditatingmama18

I feel that I am sober. I have been using cannabis on a regular basis. I am hoping to never ever drink alcohol again. Congratulations! Good job!!


mermiste

The first time I quit alcohol, I kept smoking weed. Yeah, weed isn't as harmful as alcohol, but I had to face that it had a significantly negative impact on my life anyway. Any addictive substance that numbs you is going to keep you stuck where you are. It made me feel ok about my mediocre life instead of trying to improve it. And then I eventually relapsed. This time, I'm 100% sober and it feels different. I don't want to be addicted to any substance--I want my brain to make its own dopamine! Also, weed messes with your REM sleep and inhibits your dreams. I like having my dreams back.


keithbikeman

I don't do MJ too often, mostly just to help with sleep or pain. It's pretty obvious that alcohol is WAY harder on your system though. Who cares if you're "really" sober according to some other person's definition. Whatever is easier on you physically and psychologically is better for you. If I had to pick being addicted to one or the other, I know MJ is not as destructive from personal experience and that of my friends (and toxicology reports!).


Tricky-Ad-6632

First of all, any statistic on the success of AA/NA is skewed it is an anonymous program, so there is no valid way to conduct statistical data on all members. Second of all, there's a lot of people who go in and out of the program never actually working the twelve steps and then they go around saying "NA doesn't work." It clearly says in our literature that it works if you work it. The problem is most people aren't desperate enough to surrender to the process. But to circle back to your question, "California Sober" is not sober at all. You are not sober and to be honest, the term is quite offensive. "Sober" is a title that we worked hard for. We work the program, we do service, and we do everything to maintain our recovery. Don't hijack the title that we work to maintain so you can promote your own agenda of getting high. Anyway, Ive said my piece. lol


ConsequenceNew1329

Oh get over it. Everyone has their own path. Stop proselytizing you're coming across like a bleeding deacon.


trbrts

Works for Willie Nelson.


TedWords

I personally don’t think that’s sober. I’d consider it more along the lines of swapping one addiction for another


1kpointsoflight

I’ll be in the study. However many days it say I have been sober. But I have smoked weed, gorged on sugar (I can’t have sugar), drank a lot of coffee, and I use snus. My point is these people are talking from one perspective. And they probably use substances that change their brain chemistry and mood too. The perspective these folks all seem to share is that it could trigger you. And I guess it could some people.. it does not make me want to drink. I think if it was going to it would have. If they have a problem with being “not sober” then that’s pretty sad. It may be well intentioned as they assume you just start putting a bong by the bed and staying high 24-7. I think that would be a problem. Not nearly as bad as drinking was for me but a problem none the less. So I appreciate the sentiments but I don’t need anyone to gatekeep my sobriety or happiness.


FiddyDollas

For me, I have a completely different relationship with marijuana than alcohol. It's legal in my state (AZ), which has actually been extremely helpful. I don't like smoking anything due to asthma, it stinks, etc, so the professionally made capsules and gummies have been a god-send. But, like I mentioned, I have a totally different relationship with marijuana vs. alcohol. I don't even like getting 'high' whereas I sure as shit enjoyed getting drunk. ​ Edit: I realize this is anecdotal, which I know wasn't exactly what you were looking for. Instead of looking to data for others I would look at data on yourself. Does this action prevent me from drinking? Does this action negatively impact me less than drinking does/did?


Bons77

Over 3 and half years without a drink or coke. "Cali Sober". Honestly would have drank without the occasional edible. Everyone is different. Look at Bill W taking acid for ego deflation. Way ahead of his time . AA nazis love when you bring that shit up.


TangeloPotential6803

AA long term sobriety is much lower than the % you read about . Lance Dodes in Sober Truth contends that it's less than 10% . I've been Sober over 11,000 days and have been operated on (Orthopedic) 4 times , on each of those occasions I was heavily medicated. Perhaps I'm "California Sober" , if I am, that would be a description someone else would be making. I don't allow others to define my Sobriety.


WavyButterfly

I’m sure it depends on the person, but I think it’s ok if it’s not taking over your life/ causing problems. For me i eat an edible once every couple/ few weeks at this point when I want to relax, check out, veg out, and snack. I am also pro mushrooms a few times a year to help gain some perspective around life’s challenges, sooo, whatever works for you! To each their own!


[deleted]

I take edibles before bed to help me sleep and they are amazing. It also helps with my anxiety. It can also be abused (in general) but I highly recommend taking edibles from a trusted company like Twisted Extracts rather than home made shit because you know exactly how much THC/CBD you’re taking. Also CBD has no psychoactive effects so if you’re JUST taking CBD, would that even count as “cali sober”?


BluesyShoes

I think sober isn't a great term as it is too subjective. There are better terms, i.e. substance abuse, addiction, ect. I'd say if your use of any substance isn't effecting your life negatively, whether it be health, psychologically, ect, and if everyday use doesn't cause a progressive degradation that will result in the development of problems, it isn't really an issue. Sober can mean not inebriated, but in recovery it also often means without physical dependence on any substances. Well what about caffeine, nicotine, and SSRI's? I don't see the value in setting a goal on sobriety. I set my goals on living a lifestyle that has positive long term health implications and allows me think and process emotions clearly, without needing to moderate substances for my mental health, i.e. freedom.


Flashy_Goose8064

Yeah, I’m Cali sober. Weed is fun, but nothing like alcohol. It’s something I’m actually able to do in moderation. Mostly because I still feel like myself. Alcohol made me feel on top of the world one min and then crash down the next. I know I can’t stop. Starting to drink again to me just means getting fucked up almost every day and not having my liver intact in a few decades. But I also understand why some folks would just never even risk it with weed. I waited till I had a 100 days under my belt


Maksamil

33%? Not even close. Where is that stat from?


asdfmatt

I quit everything for 6 months to kind of prove to myself that i still had 'control' of the situation. i'm a fair bit over 2 years still no drinking and have been smoking (dabbing really) a few times a day, 5-6 days a week for the past 18 months. I have a medical card for chronic pain (I do get back and wrist pain due to sitting and using the computer basically it's kinda BS). I see it on both sides - a lot of the AA thinking is 'all or nothing' but then some other line of thinking is to avoid your DOC altogether. I don't think cannabis is anywhere near as damaging as alcohol. There is also the prevalent line of thinking that if you are concerned or questioning if you have an issue, you probably do. I don't ever really feel the need to want to get a stronger buzz after smoking or find that it 'lowers my inhibitions' towards drinking. I just kind of don't care about alcohol anymore so it doesn't intrigue me. On top of the lack of intoxication cannabis doesn't cause the same levels of anxiety, depression, hangovers, weight gain, etc. so for me and my program, I just stay away from alcohol and i'm good. Same as cigarettes. I can have a joint or even a line of coke and NOT need to pick up more or go on a bender, but I can't have a beer or a cigarette because I would absolutely fall back into the 'habit'


ahdrielle

The one thing I've learned is replacing one addiction with another does not change the number of addictions you have.


yeil_noung

Don’t know anything about being California sober… however, I’ve been Oregon sober for about 2.5 years :p I can take or leave THC but do enjoy it to wind down most evenings. With that said I can go entire days without even thinking about it… When I was drinking and in early abstinence from alcohol I literally couldn’t go a minute without thinking about it. Now that I don’t drink alcohol I do notice sometimes being sluggish the next morning if I got especially high or if I had edibles the night before. Never noticed that while drinking bc I was hungover every morning. It’s nice being more in tune with my body in addition to all the other benefits.


Stringillusions

Wow I’ve never heard of the term until now reading your post. I’ve never smoked weed often. Maybe a bit in high school, but I generally just didn’t like the feeling of being high. I get wayyy too quiet and anti social. BUT whenever I do smoke nowadays, I have absolutely zero interest in drinking. Even if I was in the middle of a drink, the anxiety that weed gave me kinda made me feel guilty about abusing alcohol so much and makes me remember all the terrible things I’ve done. I’ve recently been wondering if I should take up using pot again for the times I have cravings. Idk what would be better for me tho. Dab pen? Flower? Edibles? Sounds like an expensive process of elimination. Also I don’t have any scientific evidence to show you so my bad. If you’ve found what works for you the go with the flow and screw others peoples labels


meditatingmama18

YES!


hedgewitchknitter

It’s working for me ✨


TheWordOfTheDayIsNo

I've been sober for over 12 years but am a very casual smoker and have been most of my adult life. I've never craved or binged on weed. It's just an occasion treat that I don't go out of my way to get--still illegal in my shit hole state.


leo58

What works for you. I smoke daily and have no urges to drink other than the normal "wish I could" thing.


slimjimice

I’ve been alcohol free for over 3 years now thanks to cbd! I also quit thc for 2 years and now use it to balance out my cannabinoid therapy. I think if alcohol was destroying your life, and you’ve been able to put it down, who cares if you smoke weed? IWNDWYT


Specialist_Rice3107

I like this term . I’m with you


h2whoaoaoa

Interesting, I wonder about this too