California Sober Podcast: https://anchor.fm/soberisdope/episodes/WHAT-IS-CALIFORNIA-SOBER--Demi-Lovato--Harm-Reduction--Moderation--Relapse--Dangers-etkka8
While the textbook definition of “sober” implies a total lack of intoxicating substances, Lovato’s “California sober” is different — a little more loosely defined.
Also shortened to “Cali sober,” the tongue-in-cheek catchphrase was coined in 2016, according to one of the earliest definitions on UrbanDictionary.com: “To abstain from all drugs except marijuana and alcohol.”
“It’s a terrible term,” said NYU Langone Health addiction psychiatrist Dr. Collin Reiff, explaining that the “ambiguous” word indicates a lack of accountability in the addiction patient. “It’s a real slippery slope,” he told The Post.
Unfortunately for some, a label like “California sober” may serve to support the addict’s denial of their disease. “Ambiguity is a restraining force that holds the individual back from sobriety,” said Reiff. “It takes courage to be specific.”
