Experiencing a sensation of being “high” or disconnected from reality, even without the influence of drugs or alcohol, can be an unsettling experience. Many individuals report similar feelings, which can range from a subtle sense of unreality to more intense episodes of detachment. This phenomenon is real, and its sudden onset often prompts concern. Recognizing that this is a shared experience can be a first step in addressing these disorienting sensations.
Understanding the Sensation
The “high-like” feeling often manifests as perceptual alterations, commonly described as depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves a sense of detachment from oneself, where individuals might feel like an outside observer of their own thoughts, feelings, or body. This can include feeling robotic, emotionally numb, or as though body parts appear distorted or unfamiliar.
Conversely, derealization causes a feeling of detachment from one’s surroundings, making the world seem unreal, foggy, or dreamlike. Objects and people might appear distorted, artificial, or as if viewed through a glass barrier. Time perception can also be altered, feeling either sped up or slowed down. Beyond these, individuals may also experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or a floating sensation, contributing to a general feeling of being “off” or unsteady.
Common Non-Drug Related Causes
Several common factors unrelated to drug use can lead to these disorienting sensations. Understanding these potential causes can provide clarity. These factors often involve the body’s physiological responses or temporary imbalances.
Anxiety and panic attacks are frequent triggers for feelings of unreality. During a panic response, the body’s fight-or-flight system activates, redirecting blood flow away from the brain to larger muscles. This physiological shift can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness, depersonalization, and derealization, making the individual feel disconnected or as though they are losing control.
Chronic stress and fatigue can also impact how the brain processes information and perceives reality. Prolonged stress can affect cognitive performance. Mental fatigue, often a result of stress or lack of sleep, can heighten the perception of task difficulty and even distort time perception. This can create a mentally “foggy” or disoriented feeling.
Physiological imbalances, such as dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations, are further contributors to these sensations. Dehydration can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and disorientation.
Both abnormally high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels can induce feelings of dizziness and confusion. High blood sugar may lead to excessive urination and subsequent dehydration, while low blood sugar deprives the brain of its necessary fuel. These fluctuations can impair cognitive clarity and stability.
Migraines can cause altered perceptions. Migraine aura can manifest as visual disturbances like flashes of light, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Some individuals report experiencing derealization during these episodes.
Certain medical conditions also present with symptoms that mimic a “high-like” state.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
POTS is a condition where standing causes an abnormal increase in heart rate and blood pooling in the lower body, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. This can result in lightheadedness, dizziness, and “brain fog.”
Inner Ear Issues
Inner ear issues, or vestibular problems, disrupt the body’s balance system. Conditions affecting the inner ear can cause symptoms such as dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), disorientation, and a feeling of unsteadiness or floating. Similarly, low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to lightheadedness and a sense of faintness.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications list dizziness, confusion, or altered mental states as potential side effects. Antidepressants, antihistamines, opioid pain medications, and drugs that affect blood pressure or blood sugar are common examples. These effects typically subside as the body adjusts or with dosage modifications.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many experiences of feeling “high” without drug use can be attributed to common, non-serious causes, knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is important. If these sensations are new, persistent, or seem to be worsening over time, medical evaluation is advisable.
It is particularly important to seek immediate medical attention if these feelings are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include chest pain, a severe or sudden headache, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision, confusion, or fainting.
If the sensations significantly interfere with daily activities, work, or relationships, or if they cause extreme distress, professional guidance can provide relief and management strategies. A sudden onset of these feelings without any clear trigger should also prompt a medical visit. Discussing these experiences with a doctor is especially important if you have pre-existing medical conditions, as these could be related to the new symptoms.
Coping and Self-Care Approaches
Once any serious medical conditions have been ruled out or are being managed, several self-care approaches can help mitigate the frequency and intensity of these sensations. These strategies focus on supporting overall well-being and managing the body’s responses to stress and other triggers.
Mindfulness and grounding techniques offer immediate ways to manage feelings of unreality. Simple exercises like focusing on your five senses, engaging in deep breathing, or naming objects around you can help re-center your awareness in the present moment. These techniques can interrupt the cycle of detachment and bring a sense of stability.
Stress management is another important component, as stress can significantly contribute to these sensations. Incorporating practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, or spending time in nature can help regulate the body’s stress response.
Lifestyle adjustments play a fundamental role in supporting brain health and overall bodily function. Ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining consistent hydration, and consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients are all beneficial. Regular physical activity also promotes circulation and can help regulate mood and energy levels, contributing to a more stable sense of self.
Identifying and limiting specific triggers can further reduce the occurrence of these feelings. If patterns emerge, such as increased sensations after consuming caffeine, certain foods, or during periods of sleep deprivation, adjusting these habits can be helpful.
Seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional can provide valuable avenues for coping. Talking about these experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide new perspectives. A therapist can offer tailored strategies, particularly if anxiety or stress is a contributing factor.