From Disney Channel to Hollywood star, Demi Lovato has been in the limelight since she made her debut as a child star on Barney and Friends.
She’s known for her powerful singing voice as well as for her transparency when it comes to her struggles with addiction. Demi Lovato is one of the several celebrities who have struggled with substance abuse from a young age. From alcohol to heroin, Demi has experienced addiction, sobriety, and relapse. Fortunately, she’s currently sober and shares her struggles to spread awareness on the dangers of substance abuse and the need for addiction treatment. Our addiction treatment center in Palm Springs is sharing some important points of “California Sober” and what it says about sobriety.
Brief Timeline of Demi Lovato’s Addiction
Demi Lovato’s substance abuse stemmed from her exposure to abuse, substance abuse, and mental illness as a child. In her latest YouTube documentary series Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil, Demi, her friends, her family, her employees, and her doctor shared details about her life, addiction, and 2018 overdose. Demi was one of the many people who had a family history of addiction and mental illness. Her father was a drug addict and alcoholic who was abusive to her and her mother and was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These conditions made it difficult for her and her mother to live with Demi’s father, causing them to move out. When Demi’s father passed away, the separation hit her the hardest.
Children of parents who struggle with substance abuse are at a higher risk than other children to develop the same disease. Even Demi’s mother struggled with Xanax abuse at one point in her life. When there’s no intervention for childhood trauma and substance abuse and they aren’t treated, it often repeats itself in the children of the family. Demi’s drug and alcohol abuse began when she was in high school when she started drinking and using cocaine and Xanax together. At this time, she was also working for Disney Channel, starring in movies like Camp Rock and shows like Sonny With a Chance. She went to rehab in 2010 and stayed sober for six years – until she relapsed in March 2018.
When Demi relapsed, she began drinking again and using drugs like methamphetamine, molly, cocaine, marijuana, and OxyContin. Her dealer also introduced her to heroin, which she began using recreationally and eventually became addicted to. Heroin is a powerful opioid that’s highly dangerous and addictive. It’s also often laced with other additives, like Fentanyl, which Demi assumed was actually what she overdosed on. There are also many dangers of polysubstance abuse, including organ failure and, of course, addiction. The night of Demi’s overdose, she called her dealer and after providing the drugs and taking advantage of her, he left. In the morning, her assistant found Demi naked and blue and immediately called 9-1-1. She reportedly suffered from three strokes and a heart attack within that span of time. The overdose resulted in brain damage, vision problems that left her unable to drive, and multiple organ failures.
Fortunately, Demi lived through her overdose and continues to share her struggles to bring advocacy to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. As a talented singer, she’s also written music reflecting her downfalls and achievements regarding substance abuse. At Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs, we know how destructive addiction is. As a hub of wealth and celebrities, we understand that drugs and alcohol are readily accessible in California. That’s why our rehab center in Cathedral City offers several substance abuse programs that cover a multitude of disorders. Getting professional help can save a life.
What Does “California Sober” Mean?
The actual definition of the phrase “California sober” refers to a lifestyle that abstains from all substances except for marijuana and alcohol. A person who claims to be California sober may only smoke and drink alcohol. While many people believe that drinking and smoking weed is okay in recovery, it’s not recommended. These substances can also lead to addictive behavior and dependence. Regarding Demi Lovato’s song, we’re applying her song to the general idea of being sober from all substances of abuse or addiction, including alcohol and cannabis.
What “California Sober” Says About Sobriety
“California Sober” is one of the many Demi Lovato songs about addiction. She’s an artist who’s not only known for her talents but also her honesty with fans. She’s not shy to share her hardships with substance abuse in hopes of encouraging others to get treatment for addiction. Even though the actual meaning of the phrase “California sober” refers to a life of abstinence from all substances of abuse except for alcohol and weed, the lyrics also apply to a life of complete abstinence from all substances.
This is a song about sobriety in which addiction is traded for renewed strength and life. The song begins with the verses, “ Cashin' in my chips for forgiveness; Trading in my shame for perspective; Tired of bein' known for my sickness; It didn't work, I'm tryin' something different.” Demi describes sobriety not just as a decision to abstain from drugs and alcohol, but rather as a complete change in lifestyle. In the chorus, she sings, “I'm California sober; It doesn't have to mean the growin' part is over; No, it ain't black or white, it's all of the colors; That I only just discovered; Now I'm California sober”.
Throughout the song, Demi goes on to describe sobriety as a journey that has brought color back into her life. She also describes her renewed sobriety as a weight lifted off her shoulders. It’s common for addicts in recovery to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their behavior during active addiction. It’s these feelings that often push these individuals to relapse. In “California Sober,” Demi Lovato not only sings about how much better sobriety is, but how she’s learned to forgive herself as well.
“California Sober” is an inspirational song about living a new life in sobriety. It emphasized that addiction recovery isn’t just about the “no’s” and the “don’ts,” but it’s also about how much more of life you can enjoy now that drugs and alcohol are out of the picture.
Demi Lovato is one of the many people who needed detox and addiction treatment to turn their lives around. If you’re battling addiction, we can help. Call Banyan Palm Springs now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our facility and levels of care.
