Why Do I Feel High When I’m Not? [12 Reasons Why]

Ever felt a weird sense of euphoria, like everything’s a bit surreal, without touching a thing?

That’s what being high usually feels like, with heightened senses and a distorted sense of time, all brought on by substances like THC.

But here you are, feeling something similar with no apparent reason.

If this rings a bell and you’re scratching your head about why, you’re in the right place. We’re here to explore the not-so-talked-about reasons why you might feel high when you haven’t smoked or sipped anything.

Together, we’ll dive into the possible triggers—everything from your mental to your physical health—and figure out how to get you back to feeling normal.

Is It Normal to Feel High When You Haven’t Smoked Any Weed?

It depends. It’s not uncommon, but most certainly some people experience this say that it’s normal to feel that way without smoking weed—while others claim that it’s not.

There are a lot of nuances that haven’t been properly backed up with studies to answer this question.

But to make it clear—people that do experience getting high say that it’s normal.

RECOMMENDED: Why Do I Still Feel High After 24 Hours?

Why Do I Feel High But I’m Sober?

There are a ton of reasons why you’ve felt that way. The top ones would be Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR), Anxiety and Panic Attacks, and Dehydration.

But these aren’t all, and to know each and every possible cause, you might need to read further below:

1. Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR)

Have you ever felt like you’re watching yourself from the outside, or that the world around you doesn’t seem real? That could be Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR), a mental health issue where you feel detached from your body or find your surroundings unreal, sort of like being high.

People with DPDR often feel like they’re floating or just not part of the world.

This isn’t just your average daydreaming; it’s intense and can really mess with your life. The surroundings might seem foggy, or like you’re stuck in some strange dream.

DPDR typically starts after really stressful events, most often during the teenage years or early adulthood. It’s also seen hanging around with other problems like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Treating DPDR usually involves some form of psychotherapy—like cognitive-behavioral therapy—which helps tackle both the feelings of unreality and the stress beneath them.

Sometimes, meds are also part of the mix to help get symptoms under control.

2. Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety and panic attacks can really make you feel out of sorts, almost like you’re high.

When you have a panic attack, you might suddenly deal with a pounding heart, shaky hands, and feel pretty terrified—all hitting you at once and peaking fast.

Anxiety isn’t much different when it comes to body reactions; you could feel dizzy, breathe way too fast, and get swamped by a sense of dread.

These intense reactions mess with your body’s normal rhythms and can make you feel disoriented or spaced out, which is why you might feel a sort of ‘high.’

3. Dehydration

Dehydration might not be the first thing you think of when you feel out of sorts, but it can make you feel kind of high.

When you don’t drink enough water, your blood volume goes down. This drop means less oxygen and nutrients get to your brain and other vital organs, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even confused.

If things get really bad, you might even start seeing things or feel delirious, adding to that high sensation.

RELATED: Does Smoking Weed Dehydrate You?

4. Sleep Deprivation

Not getting enough sleep can seriously mess with your head, and sometimes it might even feel like you’re high.

When you miss out on sleep, it throws off the normal functions of neurotransmitters that manage your mood and how you think.

This can lead to poor judgment, slow reaction times, and your senses not working right.

If you keep missing sleep, it can get so bad that you might start seeing things that aren’t there or feel really confused, all of which can make you feel like you’re high.

ALSO CHECK: What Happens When You Go to Sleep and You Ate an Edible?

5. Dopamine and Serotonin Imbalances

Dopamine and serotonin are like your brain’s mood managers. When they’re out of balance, it can feel a bit like being high.

If serotonin levels spike, it can supercharge your senses, making everything feel more intense, sort of like a psychedelic trip.

On the other hand, dopamine is all about pleasure and rewards, so if it’s off-kilter, you might feel down and unmotivated or start craving thrills and risks to feel good.

This imbalance can trick your brain into feeling high.

Doctors often use medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) to help even out serotonin levels, while dopamine imbalances might be managed with other types of drugs, especially if they affect your motivation or mood.

6. Endorphin Release

Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood elevators, often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals.

They are released during physical activity (resulting in the “runner’s high“), after laughter, and even from eating spicy foods.

The surge of endorphins leads to a euphoric state, which can significantly elevate mood and create a sensation similar to the high experienced from narcotics, albeit naturally and safely.

This physiological response is part of the body’s natural stress and pain coping mechanism

7. Supplements

Taking certain supplements like L-tryptophan or St. John’s Wort can mess with your brain chemicals enough to make you feel a bit high.

These supplements affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a big role in how you feel and perceive the world.

8. Decreased Carbon Dioxide Levels

When you hyperventilate—basically, breathing too fast or too deep—you might end up feeling a bit high.

This happens because you’re getting rid of too much carbon dioxide, which messes with the pH balance of your blood, leading to a state called respiratory alkalosis.

Symptoms like feeling light-headed, tingling sensations in your limbs, or feeling detached from reality can kick in.

This is often a reaction to stress or panic, but you can manage it by trying to control your breathing, taking slower, more measured breaths.

9. Respiratory Alkalosis

When you breathe too quickly or too deeply—say, from feeling anxious or in a panic—it can actually make you feel kind of high.

This happens because this type of breathing lowers the carbon dioxide in your blood. This drop can make your blood’s pH level go up, leading to a condition called respiratory alkalosis.

The symptoms? You might feel dizzy, a bit numb or tingly, and detached from what’s going on around you, all of which might feel similar to being high.

To get things back to normal, it’s all about managing your breathing or addressing any pain, fever, or other conditions that could be causing you to breathe this way.

10. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts that can sometimes make you feel a bit “high.”

Elevated levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen can influence your mood and how you perceive things.

For instance, higher progesterone levels can change your breathing patterns, potentially leading to mild respiratory alkalosis—a condition where your blood becomes slightly more alkaline.

This can result in sensations like lightheadedness or a sense of detachment, which might feel similar to being high.

11. Menopause

Like puberty and pregnancy, menopause is another life stage with significant hormonal fluctuations that can impact a woman’s brain chemistry and lead to feelings of being high.

Decreases in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause can affect many aspects of health, including mood and cognitive function, resulting in occasional disorientation or unreal feelings.

12. Residual Effects of Substance Use

Sometimes, after using substances like THC, you might still feel its effects even after you think it’s worn off.

This is especially true with edibles, which can take longer to kick in and stick around in your system longer.

So, you might unexpectedly feel high hours or even days after you consumed them.

How to Stop Feeling High When You’re Sober

Alright, we’ve looked into the potential causes of why you might feel high right now, but you don’t know how to fix it yet.

Well, here are some strategies to help you regain your sense of self.

Practice Controlled Breathing

Engaging in slow, deep breathing can alleviate symptoms of hyperventilation and anxiety, which may contribute to feeling high.

Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

This technique helps stabilize carbon dioxide levels in your blood, reducing dizziness and lightheadedness.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Dehydration and low blood sugar can lead to sensations of lightheadedness and disorientation.

Drinking plenty of water and consuming a balanced meal can help stabilize your body’s functions and reduce these feelings.

Try Black Pepper

An anecdotal remedy that some find effective is the use of black pepper, which can help reduce paranoia and anxiety associated with feeling too high.

Sniffing or chewing a few black peppercorns might provide relief.

Rest and Relax

Finding a quiet, comfortable place to rest can help your body and mind recalibrate.

If possible, take a nap or simply close your eyes and relax. This can reduce overstimulation and allow your body to regain balance.

Engage in Light Physical Activity

If you’re feeling up to it, gentle activities like taking a walk can increase blood flow and distract your mind, potentially reducing high sensations.

Ensure you stay in a safe, familiar environment to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Take a Warm Shower or Bath

A warm shower or bath can relax your muscles and calm your mind, helping you feel more grounded.

The change in temperature and sensory experience can also serve as a distraction from unsettling feelings.

Professional Help

If these self-help methods do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you frequently feel high without substance use, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider.

Professional help can offer more targeted treatments based on the underlying cause of your symptoms, such as adjusting any medications that might be contributing to these sensations or providing therapy for anxiety or other mental health issues.

FAQs About Being Sober While Feeling High

Can certain medications cause sensations similar to being high?

Yes, some medications can produce side effects that mimic the feeling of being high. For instance, certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and pain relievers can lead to dizziness, euphoria, or altered perception. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider about any side effects experienced while on medication.

Can low blood sugar levels make me feel high?

Yes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and lightheadedness, which might feel similar to being high. Ensuring regular meals and monitoring blood sugar levels can help prevent these sensations.

Is it possible for certain foods to induce a high-like feeling?

Some foods, particularly those high in sugar or caffeine, can temporarily boost energy and mood, leading to feelings of euphoria. However, these effects are usually short-lived and can be followed by a crash.

We definitely urge you to read our blog here at BMWO if you want to learn more from us.

In it, we’ve covered topics like ‘Best Weed Gifts for Anniversaries,’ ‘Weed Measurements,’ and a whole lot more that you should check out.

Understanding these causes and their treatments can help in managing these unsettling sensations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms frequently, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to explore underlying causes and appropriate treatment strategies.

We hope that we’ve helped you solve this, and if you have any questions about this topic, just don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have a good day!