Dr. Cali Estes is a celebrity addiction specialist, psychologist, and founder of The Addictions Academy and Sober On Demand®. A six-time best-selling author and media expert, she’s helped thousands worldwide overcome addiction and burnout, combining neuroscience, mindset, and holistic strategies to turn pain into purpose and chaos into clarity.

Dr. Cali Estes

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?

A. My drug of choice was speed and diet pills. I got sober at 23 years old.

Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?

A. YES! My secret weapon is squats. Movement is medicine. Exercise naturally boosts dopamine — your brain’s feel-good chemical. You can’t be sad and happy at the same time, and you can’t be depressed and happy at the same time. When you move your body, you change your brain chemistry. That’s why I use exercise as a non-negotiable mental health biohack. It’s one of the fastest ways to shift your mood, elevate your mindset, and take back control of how you feel.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?

A. Addiction is a coping mechanism. Our brain learns patterns through repetition, and neuroscience shows it can form these pathways in as little as 30 days. Once your brain learns to use a chemical or behavior to stop a painful feeling, it locks that pattern in — and it will want more of it. That’s why recovery isn’t just about removing the substance; it’s about retraining the brain. You have to replace that old coping pattern with new, healthy ones that create the same emotional regulation — like movement, mindfulness, and purpose

Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?

A. I’m originally from Pennsylvania — born and raised with that Northeast grit and determination. Over the years, I’ve lived in Miami and Los Angeles, both of which shaped my love for wellness, culture, and sunshine. These days, I split my time between Florida, Los Angeles, and Pennsylvania — balancing beach life, business, and family roots. I travel often for speaking engagements, private clients, and my passion for exploring new places

Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

A. Resilient.

Q. Describe how you came to your “rock bottom” point.

A. My true rock-bottom moment came when I found myself in the ER, hooked up to monitors as the doctor told me my heart was going into failure from all the speed I was using. I was 5’2” and barely 90 pounds — physically depleted, emotionally numb, and completely disconnected from myself. Hearing those words — that my heart might not hold on — snapped me awake. It wasn’t just my heart that was failing; it was my life. In that moment, I realized I couldn’t keep outrunning my pain with pills and chaos. I had to face it, heal it, and rebuild from the inside out. That hospital room became the line in the sand — the day I chose life, health, and purpose over destruction.

Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?

A. I am a digital nomad, and travel all over, so I would say all of them :).

Q. How do you measure success?

A. I measure success by freedom — the freedom to live life on my own terms, to wake up without chaos, and to do what I love every day. It’s not about cars or clothes or followers; it’s about peace of mind, purpose, and options. If I can travel where I want, work with people I choose, and make an impact while staying true to myself — that’s success.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?

A. My biggest pet peeve is excuses. Everyone wants change, but few want to do the work. I’ve built everything I have from the ground up — no handouts, no shortcuts. So when people say they ‘can’t,’ what they really mean is they won’t. You can’t complain about the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.

Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?

A. Dr. Joe Dispenza, José Silva, and Dr. Wayne Dyer have been huge influences in my life. Joe Dispenza taught me how powerful the brain truly is — that we can rewire our thoughts and emotions to create a new reality. José Silva’s methods showed me how to access deeper levels of consciousness and intuition, and Wayne Dyer reminded me that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Their teachings helped me merge science, spirituality, and mindset into the work I do today — helping people break free from chaos, reset their brains, and design lives they love.

Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?

A. I’d tell her to slow down and trust the process. You don’t have to chase everything or prove anything — you just need to believe in yourself and keep going. Every setback is setting you up for something greater. Stop trying to fix your pain with chaos; learn to sit with it, heal it, and use it as fuel. You’re stronger than you think, and one day all the things that broke you will become the blueprint for how you help others rebuild.

Q. From what school of thought or teacher did you learn the most from?

A. I’ve learned the most from Ken Coscia and The Silva Method. That training completely shifted how I understand the mind and its power to create reality. The Silva Method taught me how to access deeper levels of consciousness, quiet the noise, and tap into intuition for clarity and direction. Ken’s guidance helped me integrate those tools into my daily life and my work — combining science, mindset, and energy to help people reprogram their brains and design the outcomes they want.

Q. What do you love most about living sober?

A. I love the freedom. Sobriety gave me clarity — no more chaos, no more waking up wondering what I said or did. I get to feel everything fully — the good, the bad, and the growth that comes with it. I love that I’m in control now — of my choices, my emotions, and my future. Being sober isn’t about what I gave up; it’s about everything I gained — peace, purpose, and the power to create a life I don’t need to escape from.

Q. What is your Astrological sign?

A. Cancer.

Q. Which film have you watched the most?

A. Pulp Fiction — I’ve seen it more times than I can count. Every line, every scene is iconic. It’s smart, edgy, and unpredictable — just like life. Tarantino’s ability to mix chaos, humor, and deep meaning keeps me coming back every time.

Q. Who is your favorite film director?

A. Quentin Tarantino — hands down. I love how unapologetic and creative he is. His storytelling is bold, raw, and layered with meaning. He blends chaos with brilliance, and every scene has purpose. I relate to that — turning mess into masterpiece and breaking the rules to make something unforgettable.

Q. What book would you most like to see turned into a movie or TV show that hasn’t already been adapted?

A. My book I Married a Junkie should absolutely be a TV series. It’s raw, real, and full of the chaos, heartbreak, and hope that so many families face but rarely talk about. It goes beyond addiction — it’s about love, loss, resilience, and rebuilding from the ashes. Viewers would see the truth behind the headlines, the humanity behind the struggle, and the power of transformation. It’s not just another addiction story — it’s a redemption story, and the world needs more of those.

Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?

A. Blindspot, but Blacklist was hands down amazing.

Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?

A. Steven Tyler. He’s electric — pure energy, passion, and presence. I love how he owns the stage with zero fear and total authenticity. He’s a rock star in every sense of the word — bold, soulful, and completely himself. That kind of raw talent and charisma is rare, and it inspires me to show up just as unapologetically in my own life.

Q. Who are your heroes in real life?

A. My real-life heroes are anyone who’s overcome hardship or addiction. It takes incredible strength to face your demons, rebuild from rock bottom, and choose healing every single day. Those are the people who inspire me most — the ones who turned pain into purpose and refused to give up on themselves.

Q. What are some of the most memorable songs in your life?

A. Van Halen’s Right Now and Sixx: A.M.’s Life Is Beautiful are two songs that have stuck with me through everything. Right Now reminds me to stop waiting for the perfect moment and take action — to live fully in the present. And Life Is Beautiful hits deep because it’s about redemption, resilience, and finding beauty even after chaos. Both songs mirror my journey — rising from rock bottom, taking back my power, and choosing to live intentionally.

Q. What is your favorite city?

A. Laguna Beach. It’s my soul spot — the energy, the ocean, the sunsets, and the creative vibe are unmatched. It’s where I feel grounded, inspired, and completely myself. I even have a manifestation spot there overlooking the water — it’s where I set intentions, visualize what’s next, and align with everything I’m calling in. There’s just something magical about Laguna — it’s pure peace and power all in one place.

Q. What is your favorite cuisine?

A. I love exploring different cuisines, but my favorites are Mediterranean and Asian. I’m all about fresh, vibrant flavors — grilled seafood, colorful vegetables, and dishes packed with spice and balance. I also love Italian for its comfort and heart, and sushi is always a go-to. Food for me isn’t just fuel — it’s culture, connection, and an experience.

Q. What is the best concert/performance/play you’ve ever attended?

A. The best concert I’ve ever been to was Sixx: A.M. — the energy was unreal. Watching Nikki Sixx play live, especially hearing Life Is Beautiful in person, hit deep because that song mirrors my own journey of redemption and resilience. After the show, he handed me the bass guitar he’d just played and signed it.

Q. What are five things you always carry with you?

A. I never leave home without water — hydration is non-negotiable. A protein bar, because I’m always on the go and need fuel. Narcan, because you never know when you might save a life. My eyeglasses — I’d be lost without them. And my earbuds, because music and podcasts keep me centered wherever I am.

Q. What is the best and or worse piece of advice someone has given you?

A. The best advice I’ve ever received was, ‘Your opinion of me is none of my business.’ It taught me to stay in my lane, trust my vision, and stop living for other people’s approval. The worst advice? ‘Marry the local boy and get a job at the mall.’ Let’s just say small-town dreams were never big enough for me.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve given someone else?

A. The best advice I’ve ever given is: stop waiting for the perfect moment — it doesn’t exist. Take the risk, make the move, and figure it out as you go. Clarity comes from action, not overthinking. You don’t need permission to change your life — you just need to start.

Q. What is one thing that always makes you smile?

A. The gym. It’s my happy place. Lifting, moving, pushing myself — it’s where I reset my mind and refuel my energy. No matter what’s going on in life, the gym always brings me back to center and reminds me how strong I really am.

Q. What do you value most in a friendship?

A. I value loyalty, honesty, and realness. I don’t need perfect — I need authentic. The friends I keep close are the ones who show up, tell the truth even when it’s hard, and celebrate your wins without jealousy. I value people who match energy — who give as much as they take and stay solid through both the chaos and the calm.

Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A. My greatest achievement is turning my pain into purpose. I took my rock-bottom moments — from chaos, loss, and heartbreak — and built a global platform that helps others heal. Creating The Addictions Academy and Sober On Demand®, writing best-selling books, and impacting thousands of lives worldwide all came from choosing to rise instead of quit. But beyond the titles and success, my greatest achievement is knowing I made my mess my message — and it’s helping people every day.

Q. What is your favorite compliment to receive, and why?

A. My favorite compliment is when someone says, ‘You inspire me.’ Knowing that my journey — from rock bottom to building multiple companies — motivates someone else to keep going means everything. It reminds me that all the hard work, the setbacks, and the comebacks have a purpose bigger than me.

Q. What is your biggest fear?

A. My biggest fear is wasting my potential — settling for less than what I’m capable of. I’ve been through too much to play small. I never want to look back and realize I held myself back out of fear or comfort. Growth, risk, and purpose — that’s where I choose to live.

Q. Where do you go when you’re seeking solitude?

A. I seek solitude at the beach or in the gym. The beach clears my mind — the sound of the waves reminds me to breathe and stay present. The gym is my therapy — it’s where I work through everything, reset, and come back stronger. Both are my sanctuaries.

Q. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

A. Patience. I’m a doer — when I see a vision, I want it done yesterday. But I’ve learned that some of the best things in life take time to unfold. If I could wake up with more patience, I’d enjoy the process as much as the results.

Q. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

A. A perfect day for me starts with coffee, a killer gym session, and time with my dogs. Then I’m either coaching clients or creating something new that inspires growth and healing. Add in sunshine, a beach walk in Laguna, great food, good music — and wrap it up with a plane ride to my next adventure. No drama, no chaos — just peace, purpose, and a little jet-set magic.

Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

A. The greatest risk I ever took was starting two companies with only $300 in my bank account and nowhere to live. I had hit rock bottom — no safety net, no backup plan, and no one to rely on but myself. Most people would’ve waited for the ‘right time,’ but I knew there was no such thing. I was determined to rebuild, to take everything I’d learned from the pain, the chaos, and the setbacks, and turn it into purpose. So I bet on myself when no one else could.

That leap of faith changed everything. From sleeping on floors to building The Addictions Academy and Sober On Demand®, I transformed my life and created platforms that now help thousands around the world. It taught me that real success doesn’t come from comfort — it’s born in the fire. Taking that risk showed me my own resilience and proved that when you’re all in, you can build an empire from nothing.

Q. What do you love most about yourself?

A. What I love most about myself is that if someone tells me I can’t do something, I’ll make it happen just to prove them wrong. I thrive on challenge — every ‘no’ I’ve ever heard has fueled me to push harder. It’s why I scaled my companies so fast. The more pushback I got, the more determined I became to succeed. That relentless drive — turning doubt into fuel — is what’s built everything I have today.

Q. When did you realize you were a grown-up?

A. I realized I was grown up at 14. While most kids were thinking about dances and homework, I had a bucket list, big dreams, and an exit strategy. I knew I had to get out of the small town I was in and the chaos of a bad home life. I wasn’t focused on fitting in — I was focused on building a way out and creating the life I wanted. That’s when I knew I was on my own path.

Q. How important are your pets to you?

A. My pets mean everything to me. I have three dogs, and they are my world. They’re my constant companions — loyal, loving, and always in the moment. No matter how hectic life gets, they remind me to slow down, play, and appreciate the simple things. Their unconditional love keeps me grounded and grateful every single day.

Q. What is your motto?

A. Put your big girl pants on and just do it — no complaints, no drama. Life doesn’t hand you success; you earn it by showing up, taking action, and pushing through no matter what. That mindset has gotten me through every challenge and helped me build everything I have today.