Big News At Cali Sober Mom! 👀

When Britney and I teamed up in April, we kept saying, “Fall will be full go-time.”

And let me tell you, we worked around the clock over the summer. We were juggling kids, businesses, and building the foundation of Cali Sober Mom, feeling like we were constantly chasing our tails.

But guess what? We’re finally here, and things are falling into place!

Episode 2, “What is Cali Sober?”, of the podcast just dropped, where Britney and I dive deep into “What Is Cali Sober?” It’s definitely a touchy topic, but at its core, Cali Sober is all about harm reduction.

We all have vices, and for me, I tackled the one that was hurting me the most first—alcohol. (One harmful habit down, a million more to go!)

And now for some exciting news: This weekend, Louisiana is hosting a CannaFest! Yep, you read that right. In our conservative state, we’re bringing the conversation around cannabis front and center. I’m thrilled to be sitting on a panel with former New Orleans Saint and mental health advocate Delvin Breaux, talking about advocacy, legislative hurdles, mental health, and more.

If you’re in town, you don’t want to miss it! Get your tickets here.

This is exactly how we begin to shift the stigma around cannabis use for women. By showing up, speaking out, and supporting each other, we’re creating space for real conversations and change.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us! Now, let’s get into the good stuff! 😉

-Monica

“When you transitioned from alcohol to cannabis use, what were the biggest struggles you faced?”

The first challenge was, unsurprisingly, breaking the physical addiction. I wasn’t dependent on alcohol to get through the day, but I was hooked on that first glass of wine at 3-4 PM—my “reward” for surviving.

It’s common; alcohol is highly addictive. In fact, nearly 29 MILLION Americans met the criteria for AUD (alcohol use disorder) in 2023.

Quitting alcohol exposed my ADHD, which is basically a dopamine deficiency. Alcohol gave me quick dopamine boosts, but once I quit, I had to find new ways to fill that “dopamine cup.” The best way to get through this funk is to seek out healthy sources of dopamine, whatever that may look like for you!

Switching to cannabis had its own challenges:

Stigma was a big one—I didn’t even tell my husband I was getting a medical card at first. When I did get it (yes, there’s a Groupon for that!), I was shocked by the lack of information. You get a prescription, order online, and that’s it. No guidance on what products do or how to use them.

It’s been a journey, but learning to manage both the physical and mental aspects of addiction and understanding cannabis has made all the difference. If you’re struggling with a similar transition, know you’re not alone—and there’s a lot of support out there.

(P.S. Do you have a question you’d like answered here? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)

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What We’re Drinking: Morning Brew (With A Buzz!)

This week, we’re celebrating all things Indigo! So, it’s only fitting that this week’s infused mocktail is an extra special shout-out to them.

If you know me, you know my love for iced coffee runs deep. When I was transitioning off alcohol, I filled my dopamine cravings by exploring all the (non-chain) coffee shops in New Orleans. I probably tried 20-25 different spots around town!

One trick I picked up during my coffee adventures? Infused syrups.

For a real treat, I like to use Indigo’s Irish Coffee or Salted Caramel syrups stirred into my iced coffee. It’s freaking delicious! I save this for special occasions—like pre-gaming before a Saints game—but it’s the perfect way to level up your coffee routine.

Ingredients: Pretty simple—Iced coffee, infused syrup, ice, and creamer!

With this recipe, you get the perfect mix of comfort and a little something extra. Check out Indigo’s syrups here, and thank me later! ☕

Education Spotlight: Understanding CBD

In last week’s newsletter, we covered THC, the ingredient in cannabis that’s responsible for making you feel “high.” But what about CBD?

When I first started exploring cannabis, I saw labels like “5 mg THC and 2 mg CBD” and had no idea what it meant. So, let’s break down CBD in simple terms!

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is another compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t get you high. Instead, it’s known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it popular for reducing anxiety, stress, and pain without any psychoactive effects.

How Does It Differ from THC?

While THC affects your brain, CBD works more with your body. CBD is used for a variety of wellness reasons—anxiety relief, better sleep, reducing inflammation, and even some skincare. It’s also being studied for its potential benefits in conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain!

Not All CBD Is Created Equal

All this being said, be cautious about where you buy CBD. Products from reputable dispensaries or trusted sources are typically tested for quality and purity. Drugstore CBD, on the other hand, may not contain what it promises—or even any CBD at all! Always check for lab results to ensure you’re getting a legitimate product.

Whether you’re looking to ease into cannabis or just want to learn more, understanding CBD is a great first step. Have questions? I’m here to help!

Products with a Purpose: Delvin Breaux Sr.

Delvin Breaux isn’t just a former New Orleans Saint, but also a powerful mental health advocate, author, and community leader.

I had the honor of meeting him at a NOLA pop-up, and I’m thrilled to partner with him at Indigo’s Canna Fest!

Delvin’s story is nothing short of inspirational. Despite suffering a severe neck injury in high school that shattered his football dreams, he defied the odds and became the first person in NFL history to break their neck and still play professionally.

His autobiography, Un-Breaux-Ken, shares his journey of overcoming unimaginable obstacles, both on and off the field.

His partnership with Indigo is a natural fit, as Delvin is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and creating positive change in our communities! It’s an honor to share the stage with someone who’s using his platform to inspire and uplift others.

Check out his book and follow his journey—merch link below! It’s people like Delvin who remind us that we can always rise above our challenges and turn pain into purpose.

If you want to get more involved - send me a message or follow my soon to launch advocacy corner on Youtube!

Healing Out Loud - so others don’t have to

In my family, whenever someone’s drinking at what most people would consider “non-drinking hours,” we joke, “Like Monica always said—I’m on vacation!”

For years, I used that as an excuse to drink heavily anytime I wasn’t working. Vacations weren’t always trips; they were practically any time I was off for a few days.

One time, at 22, I was leaving for a three-week “vacation” starting in Pittsburgh (to see my on-again/off-again boyfriend), then to California to visit my parents, and finally Iowa for Christmas.

The night before my flight, my roommate and I went out hard. We ended up at Blue Nile when my bestie grabbed me and said, “We have to go. Your flight is in two hours!” It was 3 AM, and I had a 6 AM flight.

Somehow, I made it to the airport, secured my usual exit row seat, and passed out. I was woken up mid-flight in emergency prep mode—everyone was in “brace” position.

There was an emergency brake light on, and they didn’t know if it was an error or if the brake was actually stuck. If it was, the wheels would lock on landing—potentially catastrophic.

People were calling loved ones, crying, and the flight attendant was having a meltdown. I looked out my exit row window to see fire trucks and ambulances lining the Cincinnati airport.

And there I was—still drunk—responsible for the exit row. When we finally landed safely (thankfully, it was a false alarm), the businessman next to me hugged me and said, “Thank you for keeping me grounded through this. How were you so calm?” I had to look him in the eye and say, “I’m fucking drunk.” Oof.

After that ordeal, I called my boyfriend from a pay phone to let him know I’d still be in Pittsburgh.

When I arrived, we went straight to lunch...and cocktails.

Looking back, there were so many signs that I needed help, but I was just “living my best life,” paying bills, and pretending everything was fine. My family would even say, “I want to be you when I grow up!” But behind the “vacation” lifestyle was someone running from their problems with alcohol.

If you’re out there struggling, know you’re not alone. There’s always a way to take control back, one step at a time.

(P.S. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Reply to this email, and we’ll include it in a future edition!)

Don’t Miss Out On EVEN MORE Cali Sober Content:

Aside from my usual content, I’ve had the pleasure of appearing on some incredible blogs and podcasts! Check them out for a more in-depth look at my journey: