Bad highs, although scary, are manageable if you stay calm. Here are some tips that can help you cope with an unwelcome high.
Bad highs can be awful. Flashbacks of previous experiences can even make people afraid of trying THC again. These episodes can range in intensity, but most leave you feeling like an anxious mess, even if you know that they’re temporary and not life threatening. It is something you want to avoid, but here are tips on how to cope with a bad marijuana high.
While no one has died from a marijuana overdose, some people have had panic attacks over them, which is concerning, especially now that our health system is congested with more important matters.
Bad highs are an amalgamation of lots of symptoms, but some of the most common ones include a racing heart, dry mouth, and anxiety. They’re also more likely to occur when you’re in a bad setting, such as being an anxious person in the midst of a pandemic.
The good news is that there are things you can do to alleviate your symptoms, even while alone and in quarantine. You should always remember that what you’re experiencing is a manifestation of anxiety and that it will wear off, even if you consumed a high dose of a super strong edible.
Here are some tactics that can help you feel better:
Talk to a friend
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Talking to a friend or partner, whether you’re talking to them in person or chatting over the phone or video, can help a lot. Try reaching out to someone who is calm and not panicky, that way they can help you stay cool and remind you that all of the bad feelings you’re experiencing are temporary. If you’re in quarantine with someone, it can also be beneficial to hold their hand or hug them, since the physical sensation will make you feel good and help you stay grounded.
Play with a pet
Pets are soothing, adorable and interactive — the perfect distraction for a bad high. Spend a good amount of time playing and cuddling with them, whether you’re playing fetch with your dog or using a flashlight to pester your cat.
Do something distracting
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Put something on the TV, preferably something funny and lighthearted, that you’ve seen before to avoid getting anxious. You can also put on some relaxing music or start building a puzzle. All of these activities are soothing and will give your brain something to put its energy into that doesn’t require a lot of attention.
Be careful
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. When trying out new methods of consuming marijuana, start off with low doses, even if they don’t look that intimidating or you have experience with the drug. If you’re feeling stressed out or upset, your best option might be to avoid marijuana all together, since your mood is a big influence on your high.
