How to Stop A Panic Attack While High?

Weed makes you high.

But, the overdose of weed can also make you sick for a while!

A weed-induced panic attack can make you have a faster heartbeat, racing thoughts, and anxiety.

In short, it is a terrifying experience.

Especially when you are a newbie.

So, what do you do when you are in such a situation?

Or

How do you stop a panic attack while high?

Don’t worry.

There are several ways by which you can stop a panic attack induced by marijuana use.

Indulging in physical activity, breathing deeply, making your body calm, and watching your favorite funny show can help you somewhat.

However, today, you will find a complete guide on stopping a panic attack while high with all the main possible ways to overcome it.

Stay calm, and let’s find out:

Why Does Weed Make Me Feel Anxious?

You might think weed makes you have only good feelings.

It boosts your mood and makes you high on your thoughts.

Well, it is not the truth.

If you are taking weed more than your tolerance level, surely it can make you feel anxious and have a panic attack.

In short, it depends on your body’s THC tolerance level.

The weed panic attacks occur due to the endocannabinoid system’s role in your body.

The endocannabinoid system overstimulates the amygdala when you puff weed more than your tolerance level.

It is the part of the brain which releases hormones for situations like fight or flight response.

Cannabis use leads to the release of excess cannabinoids in your body and finally makes the overstimulation of the amygdala happen to lead to weed panic attacks.

Even several studies have found a relation between marijuana use and panic attacks or panic disorders.

It is also expected that people are more likely to feel panic attacks while being high instead of when they are not.

And the regular panic attack is different from a panic attack due to smoking weed.

Most people feel paranoia when they are over high, which is normal. However, it feels slightly different when you are high from the regular one.

Remember that the sense of anxiety and panic attack will pass within some time.

How Is Marijuana Induced Panic Attack Different From Regular One?

When you usually are high, you get a beautiful feeling in your stomach.

Whatever thoughts occur in your mind, your brain keeps on digging into them and goes deeper.

And you don’t have control over it because you are on a euphoric ride at that time.

However, the catch is that this beautiful feeling is lovely when you think about your favorite snack, watch a favorite show, or do something that you love.

But as you put too much cannabis in your body or smoke weed with too much THC, you might start to experience panic attacks.

You might start overthinking even your first panic attack, making the panic attacks worse as you dig deeper with your thoughts.

There are several physical symptoms in which rapid breathing, fear of anything, rapid heart rate, and stress of something are more common.

When newbies have symptoms like rapid heart rate and chest pain due to a panic attack, they are often confused with a heart attack. You should avoid this.

Remember that your life is safe, and it will pass.

It is how panic attacks due to marijuana occur, different from the regular ones.

Possible Symptoms Of Cannabis Use

Pros:

• Feeling good
• Relaxing high
• Increased euphoric effects
• Decreased pain
• Increased sensitivity
• More creativity
• Stress relief

Cons:

• Increased anxiety disorders or panic disorder
• Paranoia
• Racing heartbeat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Hallucination
• Drowsiness

Possible Symptoms Of Panic Attack

• Faster heart rate
• Intense worry
• Anxious feelings
• Chest pain
• Sweating or chills
• Dry mouth
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea

13 Ways To Overcome Panic Attacks Induced By High Marijuana Use

As of now, you know the different symptoms of marijuana use and panic attacks. It is time to find out how to prevent panic attacks while high.

Always Start Slow

We all know ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

Therefore, the best way to prevent panic attacks from marijuana use is to start slow.

Doesn’t matter whether you are with your homies or at a party; never get yourself peer-pressured for having an extra toke.

At the same time, you need to know your body’s tolerance level.

If you don’t know, you must start with a very low dose of cannabis.

For example, you can introduce a specific time interval, like 20 minutes between your toke sessions.

Generally, a single puff of weed can start making you feel its effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

Therefore, after this time, you will be able to know if you can have another puff of cannabis or if you need to stop it right away.

However, if you are dealing with edible doses, you need to wait for 2 hours.

The time interval for edibles is high because the edibles generally have highly concentrated THC and can have powerful effects.

So you need to wait and observe if you have reached your tolerance limit before having further high doses.

It is also one of the ways by which you can find the sweet spot of your cannabis use that will altogether avoid the panic attack scenario.

Find The Right Amount For Yourself

Many experts believe that there is a relation between high marijuana usage and anxiety disorder.

Therefore, as you start indulging in cannabis activities, you need to find the right amount for yourself.

It will help you set a level that you cannot go further.

Whether you are smoking or eating edibles, you will know your threshold capacity for getting high.

With that being said, it will prevent the weed panic attack and lead to avoiding any anxiety disorder.

Keep In Mind That This Will Pass

During a panic attack, there is fear and stress of something which might not be physically there.

In such a situation, reminding yourself repeatedly that it will pass can help you prevent a panic attack.

Try to acknowledge that this is just an anxious time that you are in, and it will get over soon.

For most people, panic attacks generally peak within 10 minutes, and after that, it begins to fall.

Take a Deep Breath

Taking deep breaths slowly can help bring the panic attack down.

As panic attack loves to race the breathing and heartbeat, you can do the opposite.

You can start taking a deep breath slowly and repeatedly for some time. Take a breath deeply from your abdomen.

You can count to 4 while inhaling and exhaling.

Also, you can try various breathing methods that calm your mind and body. For example, alternate nostril breathing and “relaxing breath” are some.

Remember that taking a deep breath slowly can help most people.

However, if it is not working, you can start focusing on something else or try another way to control a panic attack.

Engage In Some Activity

When you are into a panic attack, you can distract yourself by engaging in some activity.

Whether solving your favorite puzzle or doing a little light exercise, it will relieve anxiety and give you a better feeling.

You can also get into some light physical activity if you can do it to distract yourself.

Also, regular exercise help in preventing the adverse effects of a panic attack in the long run. So, you can follow that later on.

It will help you relieve stress along with preventing a panic attack.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Method

The 5-4-3-2-1 method is one of the grounding techniques that will help you avoid tunnel vision of stress and anxiety.

In this method, you have to complete all the steps mentioned below slowly and thoroughly:

Look at 5 different objects: Think about each for a short time.

Listen to 4 distinct sounds: You need to think about where they are coming from and what makes them different from each other.

Touch 3 objects: You can observe their temperature, texture, and uses.

Identify 2 different smells: It may be anything from your soap in the bathroom to coffee in the kitchen or detergent in the washing machine.

Name 1 thing that you can taste: You can taste a piece of candy or something easily accessible for tasting in your kitchen.

This method will prevent anxiety, stress, and panic attacks as your focus will be on something else.

Take A Walk

Going for a walk and having fresh air is always helpful for getting over panic attacks.

However, keep in mind that you need to be in a situation where you can walk easily and with your control.

If you are not able to walk, then don’t do it.

Ideally, you can take your friend or partner along with you while going for a walk.

The rhythm of walking can also help you regulate your breathing, which ultimately helps you overcome anxiety.

Do Something That You Love

Do you love video games?

Or

Do you love drawing?

Do something that you love the most.

It can be playing a video game or something else.

Even you can also start watching your favorite cartoon show, any funny video, or even memes that can lighten up your mood.

(Remember to avoid the negative things over the internet or content you are watching.)

Just get yourself busy doing something. It will help you get over the anxiety and fear of anything in your mind.

For instance, playing a video game can reduce the feelings of a panic attacks and anxiety.

Also, you can pull yourself out of the negative thoughts by doing so.

Get Yourself Into The Most Happiest And Peaceful Place

It is the only you that knows where you feel the most comfort and peace.

Every person has that one special place where they feel good and relaxed.

It can be a terrace, park, church, friend’s home, or anything you like.

Visit there, and stay for a while.

You will indeed feel good and get relief from the panic attacks.

Also, as you will have better feelings, it will reduce your anxiety.

Remember that there’s nothing like life-threatening panic attacks.

It is just an effect of the drug you have taken, which can be prevented or overcome by simply following some methods or by medical marijuana doctor (in the worst case).

Eat Your Favorite Snacks

When you are under the influence of marijuana, you will have more sensitivity to your senses.

Therefore, eating your favorite snacks can get you some relaxation from a panic attack.

It can be sweet, salty, or anything.

It will be much better if you blend your favorite snack with your favorite cartoon show or movie.

As your mind gets distracted, your panic attack will reduce, and you will start feeling better.

Get Lemon Or Black Peppercorn

Lemon, black peppercorn, and pine nuts are some of the household pieces of stuff that can get you over the anxious thoughts in your mind.

Studies have found that specific plant components can counteract the intoxicating effects of THC.

Therefore, these easy to get household stuff can give you instant access to the THC antidote when you need the remedy the most.

Even sniffing or chewing a few peppercorn balls can help you avoid weed paranoia in the long run.

Don’t Take It Seriously

Until or unless you are not getting comfortable even after several hours (Actually, you know when your body is not in a good situation and when to seek a doctor).

However, you don’t need to be worried about the weed panic attacks so seriously.

I know this can be tough when you are under a panic attack, but remind yourself repeatedly that this is what an average weed high feels like.

It is normal, and every stoner gets a similar high.

Also, this marijuana high will slow down within time, and everything will come to the normal level.

Making yourself remind these things, again and again, will make your body calm and relaxed.

Take Prescribed Medication

In the worst-case scenario, you are left with no other option, and you cannot get over the situation; you can seek a doctor.

There’s always professional help available from medical marijuana doctors.

They can help you get over the panic attacks and panic disorder.

However, before taking any medication, make sure to take the advice from the doctor and get a prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How To Stop A Panic Attack: Conclusion

You cannot control the panic attack; however, you can prepare beforehand to tackle the situation.

Also, always remember that whenever you put whole new stuff into your body, ideally, start with a low dose and go slow.

It is the thumb rule that works with every situation.

However, remember that there is nothing to be worried about when a panic attack occurs due to too much THC consumption.

Now, you know the several ways to tackle the situation, though, in the end, you will always have professional help from the doctors.