Why Do I Feel High When I'm Not: Causes and Explanations

Have you felt a sudden increase in energy or extreme joy or happiness as if you are "high" though you have not consumed any substance? This is a strange feeling that several people experience, making an individual wonder “Why do I feel high when I'm not”. What's this feeling without alcohol or drug use? If you are also experiencing this, there can be tons of surprising reasons such as endorphin release, stress, sleep deprivation, and more! This blog will guide you on the possible reasons behind this curious feeling! Let's explore!

Why Do I Feel High When I'm Not: 10 Possible Reasons

Here we have listed the surprising reasons that may make you "high" even when you're not under the influence of any substance.

1. Endorphin Release

Endorphins are "feel-good" chemicals that the body produces in response to emotional experiences, laughter, or during physical activities (e.g., "runner's high" after intense exercise). Research reports that the increased levels of endorphins can lead to a feeling of euphoria (extreme happiness) or pleasure. Both are similar to the effect of "high" from drugs or alcohol. 

2. Stress and Anxiety

Have you recently experienced a stressful situation? A study says that in response to stress, the body releases cortisol (stress hormone) levels. This can cause a rush in energy and excessive alertness, mimicking the effect of "high". Moreover, anxiety can make you feel dizzy and breathe fast. All these symptoms interrupt the normal rhythms of the body, making you zoned out and feel "high".

3. Sleep Deprivation

Lack of quality sleep can impact the chemistry of the brain, interrupting the normal function of the brain's neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These hormones give the feelings of happiness and pleasure, making you feel excessively energized or lightheaded. These sensations are almost like the effects of a "drug-induced high".

4. Mental Health Conditions

Are you dealing with a mental health issue like Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR)? This condition makes you feel detached from the body, surroundings, and feelings, making you feel everything around is unreal. You might feel anxious or depressed, lack an emotional connection, and things might seem foggy or unfamiliar. These situations almost make you feel "high". 

5. Dietary Factors

Foods rich in caffeine, sugar, or amino acids can temporarily increase energy levels or feelings of euphoria. These can influence your mood and how you think. Moreover, consuming foods rich in tryptophan such as eggs, chicken, fish, quinoa, or chocolate can boost dopamine and serotonin levels which, in turn, give effects similar to "high" feelings. In addition, having too many supplements can affect serotonin, a hormone associated with how you feel and perceive.

6. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can lead to sensations similar to "high". Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can cause too deep or quick breathing patterns. This can result in lightheadedness which may feel like you are "high". Moreover, menopause also comes with hormonal changes leading to lower progesterone and estrogen levels. This affects mood, thinking ability, and focus, resulting in unreal feelings similar to "high". 

7. Residual Effects of Substances

After consuming certain substances, including cannabis products like THC, you may still experience its effects even if you think it subsides. This occurs especially in cases of edibles taking a longer time to show their effects and be eliminated from the body. So, even after hours or days of having them, you may unexpectedly feel "high". 

8. Sensory Overload

Overloaded senses with too much noise, social interaction, and bright lights may also make you feel "high". This overstimulation of the senses can change the processes of the brain. This can create feelings of disorientation (mental confusion) or a feeling of being detached from the surroundings or reality. These sensations are similar to drug-induced "high". 

9. Dehydration

Dehydration might not directly make you feel "high", however, the symptoms associated with it can. When there is not enough water in the body, the blood volume decreases. This prevents the blood from taking the nutrients and oxygen to the brain and other organs, causing certain symptoms. Those symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and lightheadedness, mimicking the effects of "high".

10. Low Carbon Dioxide Levels

When you take too deep or fast breaths during stress or panic attacks, you may end up with a "high" feeling. This happens due to the exhaling of excessive amounts of carbon dioxide that interrupt the blood's pH level. This, in turn, causes lightheadedness, a sense of detachment from reality, or a tingling sensation which may be like "high" feelings. 

If you are feeling "high" even when you haven't used any substance, it can be distracting or discomforting. Practicing some strategies can help you avoid feeling high and regain control over your mind and body. 

Tips to Stop Feeling High When You Are Sober

Consider these tips and regain your control over your mind and body:

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

• Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water or fluids to stay well-hydrated which helps prevent dizziness.

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

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

• Move the body: Practice light exercises such as stretching, yoga, and barefoot walking to release stress and regulate the body's chemistry.

• Practice Mindfulness: Focus on your thoughts, emotions, and breath that help prevent feelings of overstimulation or detachment.

• Rest: Get quality sleep if you are feeling low in energy due to fatigue as it prevents mental confusion and elevated mood.

• Talk It Out: Share all your feelings or concerns with your family members or friends to get clarity.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional?

• Seek medical help, if you continuously feel "high" even when there is no substance involved and it's interfering with your everyday activities.

• The healthcare providers or therapists help find the underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. 

Summing Up

We hope our blog guided you well on the potential reasons behind your concern "Why do I feel high when I'm not? Several factors from endorphin release and hormonal fluctuations to sleep deprivation and mental health issues can be the potential culprits. They can trigger the body to produce feelings of euphoria, altered thoughts, and mental confusion. Additionally, they might make you feel anxious, depressed, or emotionally detached. All these feelings are similar to the effects of a "drug-induced "high".

If you are frequently experiencing these feelings that are disturbing your daily activities, see a doctor for a better diagnosis and treatment.