The Pharmacological Basis of the High
At its core, a "high" is a state of altered consciousness and perception resulting from the interaction of exogenous substances with the brain's neurochemical systems. These substances, whether from illicit drugs or misused medications, hijack and over-activate the brain's natural reward circuit, often by influencing neurotransmitters like dopamine. This overstimulation is what produces feelings of euphoria and pleasure. The specific experience, however, is heavily influenced by the type of substance and its unique pharmacological profile. For example, THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are concentrated in areas controlling pleasure, memory, thinking, and coordinated movement. Opioids, on the other hand, bind to opioid receptors, reducing pain signals and creating intense pleasure. Stimulants like amphetamines increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to enhanced alertness and energy. The ultimate experience is a cocktail of subjective sensations, influenced by both the drug's action and the user's personal biology and mindset.
The Spectrum of Effects
The experience of being high is not a single, uniform state but a spectrum of possible effects. While many seek a relaxing or euphoric outcome, the reality includes a wide range of psychological and physical responses, some of which can be intensely negative.
Psychological and Cognitive Effects
- Euphoria and Relaxation: Many users report feeling a sense of well-being, happiness, and deep relaxation. THC, in particular, is known for promoting giggliness and a creative boost.
- Altered Perception: A high can distort a person's sense of time, space, and sensory input. Colors may seem brighter and sounds may appear louder. This altered perception can also impair coordination and thinking skills.
- Impaired Memory and Concentration: Short-term memory is frequently affected, causing difficulty following conversations or remembering recent events. Regular use, especially starting at a young age, may cause more lasting cognitive changes.
- Anxiety and Paranoia: Not all experiences are pleasant. Some individuals, particularly with higher doses or high-potency products, may experience significant anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia. An unfamiliar setting or pre-existing anxiety can exacerbate these feelings.
- Hallucinations and Psychosis: In rare cases, especially with high doses of THC, temporary psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, can occur. There is also a link between regular use and an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, particularly in predisposed individuals.
Physical Symptoms
- Cardiovascular Changes: A temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure is common with cannabis use and can last for several hours.
- Dry Mouth and Eyes: Colloquially known as "cottonmouth," this is a very common side effect, as are bloodshot, red eyes.
- Increased Appetite: The "munchies" are a scientifically-supported effect of cannabis, resulting from THC's interaction with brain areas controlling appetite.
- Fatigue and Drowsiness: Depending on the substance and dose, a user might feel sedated or sleepy. Some users describe this heavy, sleepy sensation as being "stoned" rather than "high".
Factors Modulating the High
The subjective nature of the high means several factors beyond the substance itself play a critical role in shaping the experience. These include:
- Route of Administration: How a substance is consumed significantly impacts the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects. Inhaling cannabis (smoking or vaping) leads to rapid effects (within minutes), which typically peak quickly and last a few hours. Ingesting edibles or tinctures, however, has a delayed onset (30-90 minutes) but results in a longer-lasting effect.
- Potency and Dose: The concentration of the active compound, such as THC, directly affects the intensity of the high. Higher potency and larger doses increase the likelihood of experiencing stronger, and potentially more negative, effects like anxiety or paranoia.
- Individual Physiology: A person's unique body chemistry, genetics, and age can alter how a substance is metabolized and how the brain responds. Tolerance from past use also influences the intensity required to achieve the desired effect.
- Mindset and Setting: The user's mood, mental state, and environment can drastically influence the high. Entering the experience with anxiety or in an uncomfortable location can increase the risk of negative psychological reactions.
Comparison of Different Types of Highs
| Feature | Cannabis High | Opioid High | Stimulant High | Psychedelic High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Effect | Euphoria, relaxation, altered senses | Intense euphoria, pain relief, sedation | Enhanced alertness, energy, euphoria | Hallucinations, altered consciousness, introspection |
| Cognitive Effects | Impaired memory, time perception | Drowsiness, mental clouding | Increased focus, racing thoughts | Disruption of linear memory and thought |
| Physical Effects | Dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite | Nausea, slowed breathing, constipation | Increased heart rate and blood pressure | Nausea, pupil dilation |
| Risks | Anxiety, paranoia, psychosis | Overdose risk (respiratory depression) | Heart problems, paranoia, aggression | Anxiety, paranoia, lingering hallucinations |
The Risks and Dangers of Being High
Beyond the immediate subjective feelings, the process of getting high carries significant risks that are important for both users and medical professionals to understand. The most immediate dangers include acute intoxication leading to impaired judgment and coordination, which increases the risk of accidents. This is particularly critical for activities like driving. The potential for intensely negative experiences, such as panic attacks or temporary psychotic episodes, cannot be understated and can be traumatizing.
For regular users, the risks escalate. Long-term cannabis use, especially starting in adolescence, has been linked to potential issues with brain development and mental health conditions like addiction, depression, and anxiety. Smoking any substance, including cannabis, poses a risk to respiratory health. Misuse of prescription drugs like opioids can lead to addiction, severe side effects, and life-threatening overdose, especially when combined with other substances.
Understanding the pharmacology involved in getting high is not merely academic; it is a critical component of risk assessment and harm reduction. For more information on the pharmacology of addiction, refer to resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question "what should you feel like when high?" does not have a single, simple answer. The experience is an intricate and variable result of pharmacological interactions, individual biology, and environmental factors. While some experiences may be perceived as positive, a wide spectrum of psychological and physical effects, both immediate and long-term, can occur. The unpredictability and potential for adverse reactions, from anxiety to addiction, underscore the importance of understanding the underlying pharmacology and recognizing the inherent risks involved. A high is not a simple state of euphoria but a complex, multi-faceted physiological event with potentially serious consequences.
