Today’s young adults are changing the standards for sobriety as drinking declines and the use of psychedelics and cannabis is on the rise. What is the real meaning of “California sober,” and how is this attitude toward mood-altering substances affecting the habits and mental health of those coming of age? Why are they turning away from alcohol, and what are the implications of increased mushroom and THC use?
The Decline of Alcohol Use Among Young Adults
Today’s young adults are showing a growing disinterest in alcohol. According to a Gallup poll, alcohol consumption among young adults aged 18-34 has dropped by 10% over the last two decades. Currently, over half (52%) of young adults believe that even moderate drinking is unhealthy. Research supports this view: The New York Times reported in 2023 that no amount of alcohol consumption can be considered healthy, with health risks “increasing significantly” for women consuming more than two drinks a day and men consuming more than three.
Moreover, an increase in nonalcoholic drink offerings, such as mocktails, further reflects this zero-proof trend. Axios reports that the hashtag #mocktails currently has over 1 billion views on TikTok, and the global market for nonalcoholic beverages was projected to reach $30 billion by this year. However, while alcohol use may be declining, overall substance use among young adults is not, raising the question: What is California sober, and how does it influence this trend?
While alcohol use may be declining, overall substance use among young adults is not.
As alcohol’s popularity fades, marijuana and mushrooms have surged in use, especially among younger demographics. Gallup reports that marijuana use among 18-34-year-olds has doubled over the last 20 years. Meanwhile, a University of Michigan study found that non-LSD hallucinogen use among those aged 19-30 increased from 3% to 6% between 2018 and 2021. What do these shifting preferences reveal, and how are they reshaping the definition of sobriety?
What Is “California Sober?”
The term “California sober” has emerged alongside changing substance use patterns. The meaning of California sober can vary slightly: For some, it means abstaining from alcohol but using cannabis or alternative substances like psychedelics, with many choosing mushrooms instead of alcohol for their perceived therapeutic effects. For others, it involves avoiding hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine while still using cannabis, psychedelics, and alcohol. Either way, California sober means abstaining from some substances while continuing to use others.
This approach departs from the traditional concept of sobriety, where individuals were “clean and sober,” abstaining not just from alcohol but from all mood-altering substances. While the idea of substituting one substance for another certainly isn’t new, it seems to be gaining traction among young adults as societal attitudes toward THC and psychedelics soften. As of 2024, marijuana has been legalized in 24 states and Washington, D.C., normalizing its use and making it more socially acceptable, despite remaining illegal at the federal level.
Many people are also turning to mushrooms instead of alcohol. While psychedelics remain federally classified as Schedule I substances, some states and municipalities have decriminalized microdosing — the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of a psychedelic. People may perceive small amounts as safer and more manageable, but it still carries risks.
The Trending Use of Psychedelics
Public interest in microdosing has soared, with NPR reporting a 1,250% increase in related online searches since 2015. A RAND study further revealed that psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) is the most commonly used psychedelic, with 8 million Americans using it in the past year — nearly half of whom (47%) reported microdosing.
Reasons for microdosing psilocybin vary; some use it recreationally while others hope it will improve their mental health. The problem, however, is that most research on psychedelics’ therapeutic potential does not focus on microdosing. Though anecdotal reports suggest benefits, the practice also carries risks, and the desired mental health effects aren’t guaranteed. In some cases, microdosing can even exacerbate anxiety and depression rather than relieve it.
The Effects of Psychedelics and Marijuana on Mental Health
The therapeutic potential of psychedelics is not unheard of, but more research is being conducted on psychedelic therapy for alcoholism. Using psychedelics to treat alcoholism remains a relatively new concept, though hallucinogens like LSD have been used in limited clinical settings to address hard-to-treat trauma. In such environments, psychedelics are administered alongside psychotherapy under professional supervision. While early results show promise, further research is needed to determine whether psychedelics can be widely effective for alcohol addiction — or considered safe for mainstream treatment.
While many are drawn to the potential for relaxation, reduced inhibition, and self-discovery, the effects of psychedelics can vary widely. In some cases, they may worsen the very anxiety and depression users hope to alleviate.
The impact of psychedelics on mental health is important to consider. While many are drawn to the potential for relaxation, reduced inhibition, and self-discovery, the effects of psychedelics can vary widely. In some cases, they may worsen the very anxiety and depression users hope to alleviate. Psychedelics can be especially harmful for those with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as reported by The New York Times, due to their potential to trigger psychotic episodes. Physically, psychedelics can also cause heart damage, even when microdosed.
Marijuana use similarly carries the risk of worsening mental health issues. Nature Mental Health reports that early-onset and heavy cannabis use can lead to psychosis, with approximately one in 200 users experiencing “a severe episode of psychosis.” Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, with some cases requiring emergency medical care.
While being California sober may help some avoid the problems associated with alcohol and hard drugs, attempting to manage mental health challenges with substances can pose significant risks and diminishing returns. Healthier alternatives exist to support young adults seeking greater fulfillment and well-being.
Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
At the Claudia Black Young Adult Center, we understand the unique needs of young adults and take a compassionate, research-backed approach to substance use treatment. Our innovative, evidence-based methods are designed to help young adults reconnect with their authentic selves, improve their mental health, and lead meaningful lives free from substances.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you or someone you care about.