Buzz
Feeling anxious during a drug high is completely normal, and it happens frequently! The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to calm down and reduce the effects of the high. Simple actions like drinking water, breathing fresh air, or if you need to, you can try taking a shower, drinking a cup of coffee, or applying a few other techniques to stay focused and alert.
Steps
Self-Calming
Deep Breathing. Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to calm yourself down. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, close your eyes, place your hands on your belly, and slowly inhale through your nose. As you breathe in, you’ll feel your stomach pushing your hands out. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this several times.
Drink some water. Feeling thirsty can intensify your high. Staying hydrated will help you stay calm and focused. Fill a glass with cold water and sip it slowly. After finishing, check in with yourself and drink more if you're still thirsty.
- Avoid sugary sodas, energy drinks, or alcoholic beverages as they will make you even thirstier.
Open a window for fresh air. Sometimes, being in a stuffy, dark room can make you feel more anxious. If you're indoors, open a nearby window to let in fresh air and natural light. If the view outside is nice, sit by the window and enjoy the scenery — this can help you calm down and focus through the high.
Listen to music or watch a light movie. Listening to music or watching something can distract you from the swirling thoughts in your head. If you need to go somewhere, you can put on some music or turn on the TV while you get ready.
- Choose calm, upbeat songs that you’ve heard before and enjoy.
- If you watch a movie, go for a light comedy or a nature documentary.
Take a nap if you have no other plans. If you don’t need to go anywhere until the end of the day, lie down and get comfortable in bed to sleep off the high. When you wake up, you'll feel refreshed and likely no longer affected by the high!
Stay Alert and Focused
Taking a shower can wake you up and help you feel more alert, reducing the fogginess. Cold water seems to refresh you quicker, but warm water can work just as well. Letting some water run over your face while showering will make you feel even more awake.
If you’re not a morning person, you may not realize how much coffee can help you stay awake and focused. Brew yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy it to shake off the fuzziness and become more alert.
- Note that caffeine in coffee can raise your heart rate and make you feel more anxious. If you’re already feeling jittery from the drug, it’s best to skip the coffee or only drink it after you've calmed down.
Light exercise can help you feel more awake. Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce anxiety and keep you alert. Find a comfortable space on the floor and try some exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, squats, or stretching. If you’re not into regular workouts, you can give yoga a try.
- If you’re overly intoxicated, avoid using heavy equipment or weights to prevent injury.
Going for a walk can also help release endorphins and wake you up. The fresh air and natural sunlight outside may also lessen the effects of intoxication. If you’re worried about running into someone while feeling off, choose a less busy path and avoid crowded areas.
Using eye drops can help clear your eyes, making you feel more alert. It can also reduce redness in the eyes caused by drug use.
