California Sober (or California Sobriety) is a recovery model that incorporates the use of psychedelic therapy, with meditation and exercise with the intent of abstaining from more harmful and addictive substances.[1][2][3][4] The method has recently gained popularity among people looking for alternatives to the Twelve-step programs, partially due to songs by recording artists Demi Lovato[5] and Billy Strings[6] (featuring Willie Nelson) and a book on the subject by author W. E. Simmons.[7]
History
The term California Sober originated in the US state of California as a way of referring to a method of recovery from alcohol and other substances by using marijuana and classic psychedelics as an immediate deterrent from alcohol and other harmful addictive substances. The method also uses classic psychedelics as a long-term deterrent from the same. Although the term has been used for decades to describe a method of recovery that utilizes classic psychedelics, such as LSD, mescaline, Psilocybin mushrooms, and cannabis to aid in recovery from harmful and addictive substances, online use of the term only dates back to 2016.[8]
The California Sober Method
The California Sober method is described as using classic psychedelics, along with talk therapy, meditation, and exercise, to overcome addiction to harmful substances such as Alcoholic beverages, street drugs, and pharmaceuticals. The California Sober method stresses the need for using these substances with the express intent of recovering from Alcoholism, Addiction, and many other Mental disorders.[9]
Methods include California Sober Remediation Therapy (CSRT), which includes Cannabis Remediation Therapy (CRT), Psychedelic Remediation Therapy (PRT), and Meditative Remediation Therapy (MRT).[10] After the initial remediation is complete, the California Sober method relies on psychedelic therapy at intervals that can be anywhere from 1 to 12 months apart, depending on the addict's response to treatment, shortening intervals until they are no longer necessary.[citation needed]
The California Sober method also includes Self-help steps including 3 questions, 9 goals, and 13 paths that work as therapy in an attempt to bring the individual to a state of mind that supports recovery.[11]
In popular culture
Demi Lovato released a song named California Sober on her album Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over and also speaks about being California Sober in her docuseries Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil. Billy Strings released a single named California Sober featuring Willie Nelson[12]. There is also a short movie called California Sober[13]
References
- ^ "What Does "California Sober" Mean?". Dictionary.com. 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ Payan, Madison (2023-11-13). "What is California Sober?". Renaissance Recovery. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ Gomez, Suzette (2021-08-10). "What Does It Mean To Be "California Sober?"". Addiction Center. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ Simmons, W. E. (2022). California Sober - The Science of Recovery (1 ed.). SVDC InDUSTries. pp. 1–282. ISBN 9798218319472.
- ^ Edmonds, Lauren. "Demi Lovato said she identifies as 'California sober' and still consumes alcohol and marijuana in 'moderation'". Insider. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ Freeman, Jon (2023-04-28). "Billy Strings and Willie Nelson Tout the Benefits of Being 'California Sober' in New Collab". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- ^ Simmons, W. E. (2022). California Sober - The Science of Recovery. SVDC InDUSTries. pp. 1–282. ISBN 9798218319472.
- ^ "What Does "California Sober" Mean?". Dictionary.com. 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
- ^ Simmons, W. E. (2022). California Sober - The Science of Recovery (1 ed.). SVDC InDUSTries (published January 12, 2022). ISBN 9798218319472.
- ^ Simmons, W. E. (2022). California Sober - The Science of Recovery (1 ed.). SVDC InDUSTries. ISBN 9798218319472.
- ^ Simmons, W.E. (2022). California Sober - The Science of Recovery (1 ed.). SVDC InDUSTries. ISBN 9798218319472.
- ^ Willman, Chris (April 27, 2023). "Billy Strings and Willie Nelson Commit to Going 'California Sober' in Duet Released for Willie's Birthday". Variety. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ "In Popular Culture".