Why Do I Feel High When I’m Not? 10 Possible Explanation

Have you ever felt a sudden increase in energy or extreme joy or happiness, as if you were “high”, even though you haven’t taken any substances? This is a strange experience that some people experience. Some people may wonder, “Why am I feeling high when I’m not feeling high?” What is this feeling like even though you are not using alcohol or drugs? If you’re experiencing this too, there could be a number of surprising reasons, including the release of endorphins, stress, and lack of sleep. In this blog, we will discuss possible reasons behind this strange feeling. Let’s explore!

Why you feel high when you’re not: 10 possible reasons

Here we have listed surprising reasons why you can get “high” even when you are not under the influence of drugs.

1. Release of endorphins

Endorphins are “feel-good” chemicals produced by the body in response to emotional experiences, laughter, or during physical activity (for example, the “runner’s high” after a strenuous workout). the study It has been reported that increased levels of endorphins can cause a feeling of euphoria (extreme happiness) and pleasure. Both are similar to the “high” effects of drugs or alcohol.

2. Stress and anxiety

Have you experienced a stressful situation recently? study It states that in response to stress, the body releases cortisol (stress hormone) levels. This can cause a surge of energy and hypervigilance, mimicking the effects of a “high.” Additionally, anxiety can make you dizzy and cause your breathing to become rapid. All of these symptoms interfere with the body’s normal rhythms, making you feel groggy and “high.”

3. Lack of sleep

Lack of quality sleep can affect brain chemistry and interfere with the normal functioning of brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These hormones make you feel happy and happy and can make you feel overly energetic or light-headed. These sensations are roughly similar to the effects of a “drug high.”

4. Mental health

Are you dealing with a mental health problem like depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR)? When this condition occurs, you feel disconnected from your body, environment, and emotions, and everything around you feels alien. It feels real. You may feel anxious or depressed, lack emotional connection, and things may seem vague and unfamiliar. This situation almost makes you feel “high.”

5. Dietary factors

Foods rich in caffeine, sugar, and amino acids can temporarily increase energy levels and feelings of euphoria. These can affect your mood and the way you think. Additionally, consuming tryptophan-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, quinoa, and chocolate can increase dopamine and serotonin levels, producing an effect similar to feeling “high.” Additionally, taking too many supplements can affect serotonin, a hormone associated with mood and cognition.

6. Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can cause a feeling similar to a “high.” When progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, your breathing patterns may become too deep or too fast. This can cause light-headedness that feels like you’re getting “high.” In addition, menopause also involves hormonal changes, with progesterone and estrogen levels decreasing. This affects your mood, ability to think, and concentration, resulting in an unrealistic feeling similar to a “high.”

7. Residual effects of substances

After ingesting certain substances, including cannabis products such as THC, the effects can linger even if you think your symptoms have subsided. This is especially true with edible foods that take a long time to take effect and be eliminated from the body. As a result, you may feel an unexpected “high” even after taking it for several hours or days.

8. Sensory overload

Sensory overload from too much noise, social interaction, and bright lights can also leave you feeling “high.” This sensory overstimulation can alter brain processes. This can lead to disorientation (mental confusion) and a feeling of being disconnected from your surroundings and reality. These sensations are similar to the “high” caused by drugs.

9. Dehydration symptoms

Although dehydration doesn’t directly make you feel “high,” the symptoms associated with dehydration can make you feel high. When there is a lack of water in the body, blood volume decreases. This prevents the blood from carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain and other organs, causing certain symptoms. These symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and lightheadedness and mimic the effects of a “high.”

10. Low carbon dioxide levels

Breathing deeply or too quickly during stress or panic attacks can make you feel “high.” This is caused by exhaling an excessive amount of carbon dioxide which blocks the pH level of the blood. This causes dizziness, a feeling of disconnection from reality, or a tingling sensation similar to a “high” feeling.

Feeling “high” even though you haven’t used any substances can be distracting and uncomfortable. A few strategies can help you avoid getting high and regain control of your mind and body.

Tips to stop feeling high when sober

Take back control of your mind and body by considering these tips.

• Breathe deeply: Practice deep breathing exercises such as 4-7-8 breathing to relax your mind and body and manage stress.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or liquids to stay well hydrated, which helps prevent dizziness.

• Eat a nutritious diet: Add foods rich in healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein to your diet to help maintain blood sugar levels.

• Reduce stimulation: Find a quiet, calming space away from bright lights and loud noises to soothe your senses.

• Move your body: Practice light exercise such as stretching, yoga, and barefoot walking to release stress and regulate your body chemistry.

• Practice Mindfulness: Focus on your thoughts, feelings, and breathing to prevent feelings of overstimulation and detachment.

• Rest: If you feel your energy is low due to fatigue, get some quality sleep to prevent mental confusion and high mood.

• Discuss: Share and clarify all your feelings and concerns with your family and friends.

When should I consult a medical professional?

• If you continue to feel “high” even though no substances are involved and it is interfering with your daily life, see your doctor.

• A health care provider or therapist can help find the underlying cause, such as a hormonal imbalance or medical condition.

summary

We hope that our blog has successfully guided you through the potential reasons behind your concern: “Why do I feel high when I’m not even high?” Several factors could be potential culprits, from endorphin release and hormonal fluctuations to lack of sleep and mental health issues. They can be triggers. Additionally, these feelings are similar to the effects of a drug “high.”

If you frequently experience these feelings that interfere with your daily life, please see your doctor for better diagnosis and treatment.

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