Why do i feel high but i'm sober
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Sensation of Feeling High While Sober
Anxiety Sensitivity and Sober Reactivity
One possible explanation for feeling high while sober is related to anxiety sensitivity (AS). Individuals with high AS, who have a heightened fear of anxiety symptoms, may experience increased affective and cognitive reactivity to stressors even when sober. This heightened reactivity can manifest as intense fear and negative thoughts, such as feeling out of control, which can mimic the sensations of being high1.
Mood Effects and Sensitivity to Stress
Another factor to consider is the body's response to stress and mood changes. Research has shown that alcohol can produce both positive and negative mood effects, such as increased elation and anxiety reduction. These effects are not exclusive to alcohol consumption; similar mood changes can occur in sober individuals under stress. For instance, during stressful situations, some people might experience heightened energy or confusion, which can feel similar to the effects of being high2.
Coping Mechanisms and Sensation Seeking
The motivation behind drinking, such as coping with stress or seeking enhancement, can also play a role in how individuals perceive their sober state. People who drink to cope with stress or to feel high might be more attuned to their body's natural mood fluctuations, leading them to feel high even when they haven't consumed alcohol. This sensation can be particularly pronounced in individuals who frequently use substances to manage their emotions or enhance their mood3.
Conclusion
Feeling high while sober can be attributed to several psychological and physiological factors, including high anxiety sensitivity, natural mood fluctuations in response to stress, and the individual's coping mechanisms. Understanding these underlying causes can help in managing and addressing these sensations effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effects of alcohol on the response to hyperventilation of participants high and low in anxiety sensitivity.
High anxiety sensitivity individuals may increase their risk for alcohol abuse by promoting increased fear and negative thoughts during stressors, and being particularly sensitive to alcohol's emotional reactivity dampening effects.
RCT
Highly CitedReinforcing mood effects of alcohol in coping and enhancement motivated drinkers.
Alcohol can both positively and negatively reinforce mood, but coping and enhancement motivated drinkers are not differentially sensitive to these effects.
RCTIs gender relevant only for problem alcohol behaviors? An examination of correlates of alcohol use among college students.
Male college students are more likely to experience alcohol-related problems due to frequent use and drinking to "feel high," while females experience problems primarily due to frequency of use and depressive symptoms.
Observational StudyHighly CitedPsychosocial factors, alcohol use, and hangover signs among social drinkers: a reappraisal.
Hangover signs are influenced by age, sex, ethanol level, and psychosocial factors, with guilt about drinking, neuroticism, anger, depression, and negative life events being key predictors.
Observational StudyAlcohol and sober mood state in female social drinkers.
Relatively low alcohol consumption increases depression and anger in the sober state in female social drinkers, but reducing alcohol intake can lead to decreased depression, anger, and mental confusion.
Non-RCTIn High Spirits: Some Links Between Alcohol Use and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder patients often experience increased alcohol use during highs, potentially due to a higher resistance to alcohol intoxication and its disinhibiting effects.
Physiologic and situational determinants of drinking behavior.
Alcoholics are more likely to relapse during emotional dysphoria, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, than when feeling happy, relaxed, or successful.
Observational StudyUnderstanding feeling “high” and its role in medical cannabis patient outcomes
Feeling "high" during medical cannabis consumption is associated with improved symptom relief but increased negative side effects, with factors like mode of consumption, product potency, and dose affecting treatment outcomes.
Observational Study