The feeling of being in an altered state of perception, often described as feeling “high” or “out of it” without having consumed any substances, is a disorienting experience. This temporary shift in how a person perceives reality is surprisingly common, affecting a large portion of the population at least once. Rather than being a sign of severe dysfunction, this sensation is often a psychological or physiological response to intense internal pressure. Exploring the non-intoxicant causes of this altered state can provide clarity and reduce the worry that accompanies such feelings.
Naming the Sensation: Depersonalization and Derealization
The specific feelings that mimic being “high” are most accurately captured by the clinical terms depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves a sense of detachment from oneself, where you feel disconnected from your own thoughts, emotions, sensations, or actions. People often describe this as watching their life unfold from an outside perspective, as if they are an observer in their own body. This sensation may include feeling emotionally numb or perceiving that your body does not fully belong to you.
Derealization is a detachment from the external world. The environment may suddenly appear unreal, foggy, dreamlike, or visually distorted, as if the person is viewing the world through a pane of glass. Both depersonalization and derealization are classified as dissociative symptoms because they involve a disconnection between a person’s thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. When experienced briefly, these are common, temporary responses to stress.
Psychological and Stress-Related Triggers
One of the most frequent acute triggers for this feeling of unreality is a panic attack. During an intense panic episode, the body enters a rapid fight-or-flight response, flooding the system with adrenaline. This overwhelming physiological arousal can cause the mind to dissociate as a protective mechanism against the sheer intensity of the fear. The symptoms of derealization and depersonalization manifest as a temporary buffer against the emotional impact.
Hyperventilation, which often accompanies a panic attack, is another direct contributor to these altered perceptions. Rapid, shallow breathing interferes with the efficient release of oxygen to the brain cells, triggering feelings of unreality, confusion, and dizziness. Chronic stress or generalized anxiety can also lead to dissociative symptoms as the brain attempts to cope with prolonged mental pressure. When a person is constantly overwhelmed, their mind may default to a state of detachment, making the world feel distant or foggy.
Physiological and Medical Contributors
Feelings of being “high” can also stem from physical factors, with sleep deprivation being a common culprit. A lack of sufficient sleep, especially less than six hours nightly, significantly impairs cognitive function and leads to “brain fog.” Sleep deprivation disrupts the brain cells’ ability to communicate effectively, resulting in lower alertness, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thought processes. The resulting confusion and mental slowness can be misinterpreted as feeling intoxicated.
Issues with the vestibular system, housed in the inner ear, govern balance and can create sensations that mimic intoxication. Vestibular disorders cause vertigo, dizziness, and a feeling of spatial disorientation that leads a person to feel “out of it.” This disruption gives the brain incorrect signals about the body’s orientation, which may be exacerbated by factors like dehydration, certain foods, or sudden head movements.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another physiological cause, starving the brain of its primary energy source. Symptoms of low blood glucose (typically below 70 mg/dL) often include confusion, shakiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. When blood sugar drops, the body releases adrenaline to compensate, which further causes symptoms like a fast heart rate and anxiety that can feel like a panic response.
The side effects of certain common prescription and over-the-counter medications can also result in feelings of derealization or detachment. Medications used to treat anxiety, depression, and even some cold remedies can affect brain chemistry, leading to temporary perceptual changes. These chemical changes can manifest as a dreamlike state, dizziness, or a muted sense of reality until the body adjusts or the medication is stopped.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While temporary episodes of detachment or unreality are common, persistent symptoms warrant professional attention. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if the feelings are frequent, last for extended periods, or interfere with work, relationships, or daily responsibilities. The first step involves visiting a primary care physician to rule out physical causes, such as hypoglycemia or vestibular issues, which require medical intervention.
Seeking medical guidance is also prudent if the altered state is accompanied by severe physical symptoms, such as chest pain, fainting, or intense nausea. If physical causes are ruled out, a mental health professional can help determine if the symptoms relate to an underlying anxiety disorder, chronic stress, or a specific dissociative condition. Professional support provides effective strategies for managing and reducing the intensity of these episodes.