Experiencing sensations similar to being “high” without any intoxication can be disorienting. This feeling, often described as a sense of unreality, detachment, or “brain fog,” leaves individuals confused about its origin. It is a common sensation with explanations from psychological states to physical influences and medical conditions. Understanding these potential causes can help demystify the experience.
Understanding Psychological Causes
Mental states, particularly stress and anxiety, can influence perception and lead to feelings resembling intoxication. When the body enters a “fight-or-flight” response, anxiety or panic can trigger sensations like hyper-awareness, lightheadedness, or a sense of unreality. Intense anxiety can make an individual feel detached from their surroundings or their own body.
A psychological cause for feeling “high” is dissociation, specifically depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself, as though observing one’s thoughts, feelings, or body from an outside perspective. Derealization is the sensation of being detached from one’s surroundings, making the world appear unreal, dreamlike, foggy, or distorted. These dissociative experiences often serve as a coping mechanism during periods of stress, trauma, or anxiety.
Chronic stress or emotional overwhelm can disrupt cognitive function, resulting in “brain fog.” Prolonged stress affects mental clarity, making it harder to think, reason, and focus. This mental fatigue can manifest as a persistent feeling of being “off.” Dissociation is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, sometimes occurring spontaneously or in response to intense stress.
Everyday Physical and Lifestyle Influences
Beyond psychological factors, physical and lifestyle elements can contribute to feelings of being “high” or disoriented. Insufficient sleep impairs cognitive function, leading to symptoms like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and a dreamlike state. Sleep deprivation affects the brain’s ability to process information and make decisions.
Dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations are common culprits. Even mild dehydration impacts brain function, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion. Unstable blood sugar levels, whether too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), affect cognitive clarity, leading to shakiness and confusion.
Hyperventilation, or rapid, shallow breathing, can disturb the balance of gases in the blood. This imbalance leads to dizziness, tingling sensations, and a detached feeling. Sensory overload or underload can also play a role; extreme environments can overwhelm the brain’s processing capacity, leading to disorientation and a sense of unreality.
Potential Medical Factors
Sensations of feeling “high” may stem from medical conditions or medication side effects. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or a sense of detachment. Review any new medications with a healthcare provider if these symptoms emerge.
Migraine auras are another medical factor that can cause unusual sensory disturbances. Before or during a migraine headache, some individuals experience visual phenomena like flashing lights, along with tingling or numbness. These auras can sometimes include feelings of disorientation or confusion, even without a full headache.
Rarely, neurological conditions or other systemic illnesses can present with symptoms resembling feelings of being “high.” Conditions affecting the brain or nervous system can manifest as altered perceptions or a sense of unreality. A medical professional can help rule out these possibilities.
Knowing When to Get Help
Seek professional medical or mental health advice if feelings of being “high” without intoxication are persistent, worsen, or significantly interfere with daily life.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if these feelings are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include chest pain, severe headache, sudden confusion, or loss of consciousness. Such symptoms could indicate a serious underlying issue.
If the feeling causes significant anxiety or distress, consulting a mental health professional is advisable. A doctor can rule out medical causes first. If medical explanations are excluded, a mental health professional can assess psychological factors and provide support.