As the calendar flips to January, millions worldwide embrace the tradition of New Year's resolutions, with many pledging to give up alcohol. The popular 'Dry January' challenge, however, is facing competition from a new and controversial trend known as 'California Sober'. This approach involves abstaining from alcohol but allowing the use of cannabis or micro-doses of psychedelics.
What Exactly is the California Sober Trend?
The term 'California Sober' has gained traction as an alternative to the complete abstinence of Dry January. It describes a practice where individuals stop drinking alcohol for the month but may consume cannabis or small amounts of psychedelic substances. This trend finds its roots in lifestyle choices in Los Angeles, where cannabis is fully legal for adults over 21 and sold in regulated dispensaries.
Celebrities have played a significant role in popularising this concept. Talk show host Andy Cohen declared on 'Live with Kelly and Mark', "I'm California sober... For the month of January, and maybe a little beyond." Similarly, musicians like Billy Idol, Fiona Apple, and Demi Lovato have publicly associated themselves with this trend.
Journalist Eleanor Mills, writing for The Independent, notes that the market for alternative highs is booming. "Whether they are taking CBD, herbal relaxants like valerian and ashwagandha, or dabbling in non-psychoactive mushroom products like Lion's Mane or herbal gummies," she explained, the shift is evident.
Health Warnings and the Risks of Cannabis Use
Despite its growing popularity, health authorities strongly warn against the 'California Sober' approach. The UK's Department of Health and Social Care cautions against any illegal drug use, including cannabis, citing immediate side-effects and long-term physical and mental health problems.
Cannabis remains the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 52.5 million people used it at least once in 2021. The primary psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes intoxicating and mind-altering effects. These can include:
- Altered mood, thoughts, and perception of reality.
- Impaired attention, learning, and memory, especially with long-term use.
- Potential for addiction, influenced by genetic susceptibility and environmental stress.
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), highlights the dual risk factors. "There are people [whose genetic susceptibility is] so powerful [that it] can overpower resilient environments, making them liable to addiction," she stated. "There are environments that are so stressful and adverse that [they] can make people vulnerable to becoming addicted, even though they don't have the genetic [susceptibility]."
The Proven Benefits of the Traditional Dry January
In contrast, the Dry January campaign, which began in the UK in the early 2010s and was formalised by the charity Alcohol Change UK, advocates for complete alcohol abstinence for the entire month. Scientific research supports its significant health advantages.
A 2018 study published in the BMJ Open journal found that regular drinkers who participated in Dry January experienced notable improvements:
- Weight loss and improved insulin resistance.
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Decreased inflammation, lowering the risk of fatty liver disease.
Psychiatrist Maher Karam-Hage, MD, adds that this break allows the liver to heal. "Usually, within 30 days, the liver can regenerate, or reproduce, cells that had been injured or died," he told the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Additional benefits include a healthier gut microbiome and improved sleep quality.
While celebrity-endorsed trends like California Sober may seem appealing, the evidence-based health gains from a traditional Dry January present a clearer and safer path for those seeking a healthier start to the year. Making an informed choice, rather than following a fad, is crucial for long-term well-being.
