How to cope with a comedown
Within a few days of taking drugs it’s pretty normal to go through what’s commonly referred to as a ‘comedown’. Comedowns will differ from person to person but the symptoms can be both physical and emotional. Physical symptoms can include nausea, headaches, exhaustion and reduced appetite while flatness of mood, irritability and stress are common emotional experiences associated with ‘coming down’. The severity and length of a comedown will differ from person to person and will depend on the type and amount of drugs used, as well as your general health including how much food, water and sleep you’ve had. People who use drugs on a more regular basis are likely to experience harsher comedowns than those who only use occasionally. If you’ve had a break from using during COVID-19, this might affect your comedowns. However, we’ve also seen changes in the purity of substances available in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions, which may further impact the length or severity of your comedown.
Regardless of these impacts, as we head into the holiday period after this very strange year, there are some simple and healthy things that you can try which might help you to make it through!
Resist the temptation to use more drugs
It can be very tempting to use more drugs or to get high again in order to alleviate the symptoms of a comedown, however doing so will only delay the inevitable. Resist the temptation to use more drugs and wait for your comedown to pass.
Hang out with friends
Sometimes hanging with a close pal and having a good laugh (or a good cry) is the perfect antidote to a rough comedown.
Eat
Taking drugs can be very taxing on your body. When you are coming down, your body is trying to recuperate. Eating will help you regain the energy to do this. Often when coming down people will lose their appetite, however it is best to eat – even when you don’t feel like it. We recommend eating a balance of healthy carbs, fats and proteins. Any calories are better than no calories, but it’s best to avoid alcohol!
Do something that makes you feel good
Pat your pet, watch a movie, go swimming or get out into nature! If you can try to muster up the energy to get up and indulge in a little bit of positive distraction. This can only help!
Stay hydrated
When using drugs (particularly if you’ve been drinking) you can get really dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Being dehydrated leaves us feeling rotten, and if coming down and dehydrated you are likely to feel lethargic, nauseous and have headaches. Water up!
Remind yourself that it is only temporary
It will pass and you will make it through. Try to keep this in mind if you’re getting depressed and feel the urge to quit your job or call your ex.
Spend the day in bed
Sometimes we just need to be horizontal! Getting rest and sleep after a big night or weekend enables your brain, muscles and blood vessels to heal repair and function normally again. It’s also a great opportunity to binge on trashy TV.
Let people know that you are coming down
When coming down it is common to be more moody and irritable than usual, as a result we might snap at someone, or we might say or do something that we otherwise wouldn’t. If it’s safe to let trusted friends or partners around you know what you are going through, do so.
We know comedowns can be awful but some of the tips we’ve listed can help bring the drama of a comedown from a 10 to a 2. Remember comedowns are temporary and you will make it through. Whatever you do, we encourage you not to use more drugs to alleviate your symptoms!
If your comedown is lasting longer than a few days we recommend that you get in touch with a doctor or another professional, like a counsellor, psychologist or health care provider, to let them know what you are going through. If you would like to speak to a professional that is understanding, safe, and sexuality and gender diverse inclusive check out some of our services here.