Feeling overwhelmed or “too high” after consuming psychoactive substances, most commonly cannabis, can be a disorienting and unsettling experience. This article offers practical guidance and reassurance for navigating these moments, helping individuals regain calm and control.
Immediate Steps to Take
When experiencing an intense high, focusing on basic physiological needs can help stabilize your state. Begin by hydrating, as drinking water or other non-caffeinated beverages can alleviate dry mouth and support natural processes. Dehydration can exacerbate anxiety and stress, so continuous sips are beneficial.
Following hydration, consider eating a light snack. Consuming food can help ground the experience by stabilizing blood sugar levels and providing a gentle distraction. Opt for simple, easy-to-digest options like crackers or fruit, which can offer a sense of normalcy and comfort.
Changing your immediate surroundings can significantly impact your emotional state. Moving to a calm, quiet, and safe space, ideally one that feels familiar, can reduce external stimulation and promote relaxation. If possible and safe, stepping outdoors for fresh air can also provide a helpful change of scenery.
Engaging in simple distraction techniques can redirect your focus from uncomfortable sensations. Listening to calming music, watching a familiar television show, or engaging in light, reassuring conversation can occupy your mind. Activities that require gentle mental engagement, such as doodling or counting, can also be effective.
Regulating your breathing can directly calm the nervous system. Practice slow, deep breathing techniques, such as inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This controlled breathing helps to slow your heart rate and promote a sense of tranquility.
Utilize self-talk and reassurance to remind yourself that the feelings are temporary and will eventually pass. Affirmations like “This will pass” or “I am safe” can help challenge negative thought patterns and reduce panic.
While trying to come down, it is important to avoid consuming more of the substance, or mixing it with alcohol or caffeine. Additional substance use can intensify or prolong the unwanted effects. Caffeine, in particular, can heighten anxiety and increase heart rate, which may already be elevated.
Understanding the Experience
Feeling “too high” often stems from the interaction of psychoactive substances with the brain’s receptors. These substances temporarily alter brain chemistry, influencing mood, perception, and thought processes. Individual responses vary based on factors such as dosage, potency, and the method of consumption.
The effects experienced are not permanent; the body actively metabolizes the substance over time, gradually eliminating it from the system. This metabolic process ensures that the intense feelings will subside as the substance is processed. The duration of effects depends on the substance and individual metabolism.
Anxiety and paranoia can significantly amplify the sensation of being too high. When the mind interprets the altered state as threatening, it can trigger a stress response, intensifying feelings of unease. Understanding that these psychological reactions are common and temporary can help manage them.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most intense highs resolve with time and self-care, certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate professional medical attention. Look for severe physical symptoms such as prolonged vomiting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or seizures. These signs suggest a potentially dangerous reaction.
Extreme psychological distress, including severe paranoia, hallucinations, or thoughts of self-harm, also warrants immediate professional help. If an individual is experiencing a complete break from reality or is a danger to themselves or others, emergency services should be contacted.
If the individual does not know what substance they consumed, or suspects it was something other than intended, seeking medical assistance is important. Unknown substances can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. If symptoms are unusually long-lasting or worsen, professional evaluation is advised.
In any medical emergency involving substance use, call emergency services (e.g., 911) immediately. Be prepared to provide the operator with information about the person’s condition and location. For non-life-threatening but concerning situations, contact a poison control center for expert guidance; the national toll-free Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222.