Billy Idol has spoken openly about being “California sober” rather than traditional celibacy.
In an interview with People magazine on Wednesday, the Generation
“I'm not the type of guy I was in the '80s. I'm not the same drug addict,” he said, adding that he began his sobriety journey in 1999 after nearly losing a leg in a motorcycle accident. He pointed out that. 1990.
Idol said that on AA's show, addiction was always described as a lifelong disease. “Maybe that's true, but I don't do that much anymore. I managed to get through it. I was really lucky that I was able to get through it because a lot of people don't.”
“Every once in a while I'll have a glass of wine,” the “Eyes Without a Face” singer continued. “I think I'm probably 'California sober.' I tell myself I can do anything I want, but when I tell myself I can't do something, I want to do it. 'But I don't actually do it.' .”
“California sober” is a controversial and somewhat fluid colloquialism for people who abstain from most substances.
Idol said it “helps” that “many of my old friends are sober,” as well as bandmates Steve Stevens and Billy Morrison.
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Demi Lovato explores 'California sobriety' in 2021 documentary series
Demi Lovato is another celebrity who has been open about being “sober California.”
In the YouTube documentary series Dancing with the Devil, she said she still consumes alcohol and uses marijuana in moderation after a near-fatal overdose in 2018. Ta.
“I know I'm done with what was going to kill me,” she said. “But by vowing to completely abstain from alcohol and marijuana, you're only setting yourself up for failure.”
However, a few months after the documentary's release, the singer announced on her Instagram Story, “I no longer support my 'California Sober' ways.”
“Staying sober is the only way,” Lovato added.
“Being sober is the only way”:Demi Lovato is no longer 'California sober'
In the docuseries, some people in Ms. Lovato's support system said they understood her desire to explore boundaries, while others expressed concern about her approach. Some people were. Elton John, an outspoken supporter of the AA model's emphasis on abstinence, was outspoken in his opposition.
“Moderation doesn't work,” John said. “If you drink, you drink more. If you take one pill, you take another. You either do it or you don't.”
Contributors: Edward Segarra, Alia E. Dastagir
If you or someone you know is suffering from a drug use disorder or alcohol use disorder, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
