When Your High is Too High: Survival Tips

Smoking weed, consuming products, or using other products made from the cannabis plant can be exciting and risky at the same time. Although many of you like to try different substances for new experiences, you should always be wary of getting too high.

Those who have experienced being too high know that the experience can be scary and overwhelming. Thus, learning how to deal with the experience of being too high is crucial. This blog aims to provide all the details you need to know if you consume too much THC. We will discuss the symptoms of being high, how to deal with the situation, and how to lower the chance of consuming too much THC again.

Recognizing the Signs of Being Too High

Since using recreational drugs is becoming more and more common, you should know how to tell if you or someone you know is experiencing an overwhelming high. Here are the physical, mental, and emotional signs you should look out for:

Physical Symptoms

• Increased heart rate: If your heart beats rapidly and abnormally, you are likely experiencing tachycardia. This condition is one of the most common signs of being drunk or intoxicated. Taking psychoactive substances like cannabis products may increase your heart rate since it goes into “fight or flight” mode. Even though this may not be fatal or considered an immediate threat, the experience may still trigger fear and panic in some users.
• Dry mouth: Many drugs, especially marijuana and THC-O products, can hinder saliva production, leading to a dry mouth. This effect could make you feel even more uneasy or anxious if you are currently high. If you want to eliminate this feeling, drinking water or other fluids frequently will help.
• Dizziness: Lightheadedness or dizziness is a common symptom of intoxication, especially when it has reached a harmful or unhealthy degree. This may occur due to the drug’s mental or physical effects. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy, and don’t do anything risky like driving or operating machinery.

Mental Symptoms

• Paranoia: Paranoia is a condition marked by excessive suspicion and worry, and it can be induced by the use of certain psychoactive substances, especially at high dosages. Because it can be so distressing and exacerbate other symptoms, quick detection and treatment are essential.
• Anxiety: THC-induced anxiety is another mental symptom that can appear when a person is too drunk or high. It could manifest as an inability to calm your mind, excessive worry, or dread that something terrible will occur. Extreme paranoia can intensify symptoms like increased heart rate, making it difficult to break the cycle of distress.
• Disorientation: Another symptom of taking too much THC or too high is disorientation. This can be described as feeling lost or detached from reality, causing you to forget where you are and struggle to make sense of your surroundings. If you become disoriented, you must find a safe place where you won’t put yourself in danger.

Emotional symptoms

• Panic: Too much THC can cause you to panic, which is a quick, overwhelming feeling of fear. Physical manifestations of this include but are not limited to a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and trembling. It may also hinder one’s ability to reason and make sound choices. It is essential to use grounding techniques and seek assistance from a trusted friend or a qualified expert if you are experiencing a panic attack.
• Overwhelm: Feeling overwhelmed can make it difficult to handle the potency of your high. This may manifest as a longing to escape what you are experiencing or a sense of dread. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to someone you trust for help and focus on activities that bring you back into a calm state.
• Mood swings: Last but not least, frequent mood changes are another emotional indication that you might be too high. It’s possible to go from feeling euphoric one minute to deeply sad or angry the next. These abrupt mood changes are unsettling and disorienting. When your mood shifts, it is crucial not to let your thoughts dictate your actions. Taking deep breaths, practicing mindfulness, and doing ground techniques may help you regain emotional stability.

Coping Strategies for When You Are Too High

Even if you are an experienced user, experiencing getting too high can be a scary and overwhelming experience. Thus, you should know how to deal with and manage the intense feelings you will experience to get back in charge and keep yourself safe. Here are some strategies that can help you deal with tough highs and help others who need to seek medical attention.

Breathing Exercises

An excellent way to deal with anxiety, panic, and other uneasy feelings that can surface when your blood pressure gets too high is breathing exercises. Focusing on your breathing can help your nervous system calm down and bring you back to the present moment.

• Deep breathing: Part of deep breathing is taking slow, controlled breaths intending to fill your lungs completely with fresh air. To use this technique, breathe deeply through your nose and, at the same time, let your stomach grow as you fill your lungs with air. Next, let the air out of your lungs slowly through your lips as you feel the muscles in your stomach tighten. Keep doing this for a few minutes while focusing on how your breath feels as it enters and leaves your body at each step.
• Box breathing: Box breathing, also known as four-square breathing, is a method where you take a deep breath in, hold it for a count, let it out, and then take another breath and hold it for another count. All of these steps are done the same amount of times. Start this technique by taking a breath in for four counts, holding it for four counts, letting it out for four counts, and then taking another breath for four counts. Keep doing this cycle for a few minutes, keeping a steady beat.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Deep breathing is a crucial part of progressive muscle relaxation, which also involves tensing and releasing specific muscles. After a few full breaths, the next step is to focus on tightening a particular group of muscles (like your hands or feet) when you inhale. To start, take a few deep breaths. Let go of all the tension in that muscle as you breathe out. Keep using this method, moving your attention from one muscle group to the next until you have worked every muscle in your body.

Grounding Techniques

Grounding strategies might help you regain a sense of composure and perspective when you are feeling anxious or disoriented.

• 5-4-3-2-1 method: This method requires paying close attention to your senses and can help you remain in the present moment. Begin by listing the five senses you use the most: sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. Using this technique can help you divert your attention away from negative thoughts.
• Focusing on something physical: Specify an object in close proximity and provide its description. Remember and analyze what you observe about the object such as its color, form, etc. Concentrating on this activity can help regain your composure and calm your mind.
• Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to your physical sensations, observing your thoughts and emotions, as well as breathing deeply. To do this, find a quiet place, close your eyes, and try to relax. Focus on the sensations of air entering and leaving your body as you breathe. In case your thoughts have drifted, return your focus to your breathing.

Distraction Methods

There is a chance that you will forget or take your mind off your intoxication through distraction methods. This can also help you put any negative emotions or ideas out of your mind for the time being.

• Watching a familiar movie or TV show: Turning on a favorite sitcom or movie can make you feel relaxed and at ease. Doing so may assist in diverting attention away from how potent your high is. Pick something that brings back wonderful memories or makes you laugh.
• Listening to music: Listening to calming songs may help you unwind and de-stress. Focus on the rhythms and melodies as you listen, and allow the music to carry you away to an oasis of calmness.
• Doing a simple task: When high, it can be helpful to distract yourself by doing something easy that requires repetition. Feeling like you have accomplished something is another benefit of doing this.

Reducing the Risk of Getting Too High in the Future:

Recreational drug use might be intimidating because monitoring your dosage and guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable high is difficult. Understanding how to manage a dangerously intense high is crucial, but preventing such a high from ever occurring is of utmost importance.

Understanding Dosage and Tolerance Levels

One of the most important ways to avoid a high that is too strong for your body to handle is to know your own dose and tolerance levels. Because everyone’s body responds differently to different chemicals, this requires some self-reflection and experimentation.

1. Research appropriate dosages: Check the recommended dosages of the psychoactive product you will use. Note that the suggestions on the product label or the brand’s website are based on general guidelines. Thus, this may not consider your body factors such as weight and metabolism.
2. Assess your tolerance: With repeated use, your body becomes less sensitive to the substance you use. This means your tolerance is getting high. If you have never tried the substance or product yet, it is best that you stay safe by starting with the smallest amount or dosage possible.
3. Adjust your dosage accordingly: Set the dosage in a way that fits your needs. Always remember that it is best to start with a small dose and slowly raise it to prevent the risk of getting too high.

Starting with Low Doses and Gradually Increasing

One essential and effective technique when using psychoactive substances is to “start low, go slow.” This will help you learn how your body reacts to the substance first, reducing the chance of getting an extremely strong high.

1. Begin with a conservative dose: Start with a dose smaller than the suggested amount, especially if it is your first time taking the substance or have not used the drug in a while. This can help you figure out how your body is behaving and keep you from getting high which is too strong.
2. Wait and assess your reaction: Wait until the drug starts to work. Depending on the drug being handled, this could take a few minutes to an hour or more. Be patient and avoid the urge to take more until you know how the first dose makes you feel.
3. Gradually increase as needed: If the first dose does not have the desired effects, you can slowly increase it in small amounts. Before deciding whether or not to take more, you should wait until the effects of each additional amount have kicked in. Using this method, you can figure out the right amount to take without experiencing intense, intoxicating effects.

Incorporating Harm Reduction Strategies

Harm reduction strategies try to lessen the harms of using recreational drugs. Following these guidelines can lessen the likelihood of becoming too high, making your trip more secure and pleasurable overall.

1. Using a drug testing kit: You can find out exactly what is in your product and make sure it has not been tampered with by using a drug testing kit. Preliminary testing can reveal helpful information about the potency and safety of a substance before you use it.
2. Avoid mixing substances: Polydrug usage, or the use of many substances, can heighten the risk of adverse reactions and amplify the intensity of the high.
3. Staying hydrated and nourished: Keeping yourself well-fed and hydrated is essential to maintain your body’s natural ability to process and flush out toxins. The psychoactive drug’s adverse effects are stronger if you are dehydrated or underweight
4. Set and setting: Make sure you use the psychoactive substance in a place that is familiar, safe, and comfortable for you. Doing so will set the right mood and reduce your risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, or other unwanted emotions.

The Role of Responsible Drug Use in Preventing Negative Experiences

Using psychoactive substances can be an excellent and exciting experience. However, misuse can ruin your overall experience. Below, we will talk about how you can set boundaries and weigh the benefits and risks of using substances or products that can make you high.

Knowing Your Limits

Knowing and following your limits is crucial when it comes to using psychoactive substances. Adjusting your dosage and knowing how your body reacts to various hemp or cannabis products.

• Self-awareness: Observe how the psychoactive substance affects your body. You can do this by keeping a journal, analyzing your actions, or discussing what you feel with people you can trust like medical professionals or close friends. You can prevent putting yourself in danger if you are familiar with the warning signs indicating you have hit your limit.
• Starting slowly and steadily: Always start low and go slow when trying new products until you find the best dose. Doing this will minimize the risk of side effects that can happen.
• Respect the boundaries you have set for yourself: Consider the limitations that you set for yourself; you must not cross them once you know what they are. Never feel obligated to drink more than makes you feel comfortable. Prioritizing your health is the primary thing you should do.

Educating Yourself on the Risks and Benefits of Substances

If you know a lot about the substances you want to take, you can make safer and more responsible choices for yourself.

1. Research the substance: Take the time to learn about the effects, possible risks, and recommended doses of any drug you are considering. If you want accurate and unbiased information, it is best to get it from reliable sources like government publications, scholarly studies, or harm reduction organizations.
2. Understand potential interactions: Be aware of the chance of interactions. Some substances can react badly with other medicines, increasing your risk of side effects. Thus, you should be aware of any potential interactions between the substances you take and ensure you know what to do to avoid or deal with them.
3. Stay updated on new findings: Keep up with the latest studies and research to help you make well-informed choices about the substances you take.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to prevent getting too high in the future?

To reduce the risk of getting too high, understand your personal dosage and tolerance levels, start with low doses and gradually increase, and incorporate harm reduction strategies like using drug testing kits, avoiding mixing substances, and staying hydrated and nourished.

How can I support a friend who is experiencing an overwhelming high?

Be patient, understanding, and empathetic. Offer a calming and reassuring presence, and help guide them through coping strategies, such as breathing exercises or grounding techniques. If necessary, seek professional help or call a helpline to assist them in managing the situation.

Where can I find reputable information on the risks and benefits of substances?

Consult government publications, academic articles, and trusted harm reduction organizations for accurate and unbiased information. Keep up with the latest studies and research to help you make well-informed choices about the substances you take.

How can I approach conversations about responsible drug use with people who may not understand?

Approach such conversations with empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental attitude. Sharing your insights and the things you know with others would help create a closer-knit community. Watch for their queries and concerns when using the substances together to ensure their safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Always take recreational substances safely and responsibly to avoid unwanted effects. Users and supporters of cannabis need to be informed on how to protect their health, work together, and share information to ensure the substance is used responsibly as the industry develops. This way, everyone interested in the cannabis or hemp industries can feel more welcome and at ease.

If you don’t want to experience the intense high from Delta 9 THC, opt for Delta 8 THC products. Delta 8 THC products produce a milder high, perfect for those seeking therapeutic effects from cannabis without getting too high.