COMING
DOWN
A comedown describes how we feel while the drugs wear off and afterwards. It’s just a part of returning to normal again after partying. And although comedowns sometimes get a bad reputation, they can be wholesome experiences full of gratitude and love.
Our comedown might feel different depending on what and how much we’ve taken. How much rest we’ve had can also affect how we feel. Some of the more common signs we’re coming down include:
- Having muscle twitches, restless legs or being fidgety;
- Experiencing dizziness, nausea or headaches;
- Feeling emotional, anxious, depressed or irritable;
- Feeling exhausted;
- Having difficulty relaxing, concentrating or sleeping.
Plan Ahead
Comedowns will last different lengths of time – maybe it’s a day or sometimes a few. It depends on what we’ve been up to and how long we’ve partied. If we’re going on a bender, plan ahead and think about what will help the comedown be more comfortable, and allow for a few days while we recover.
Keeping Good Vibes
Sometimes our mind keeps buzzing even after the party’s over. Counteracting the party drugs with other drugs to help relax might be tempting, but it can also lead to unexpected interactions and prolong our time under the influence of something. The party’s got to end at some point, so it’s worth avoiding this.
Instead, focus on the things that make us feel good. Include them as part of the comedown plan. What TV, movies or music do we enjoy? Do we have favourite clothes we feel most comfortable in? Give ourselves the time, space and permission to get through the comedown gently. We could play video games, engage with social media, or watch YouTube – and how many times have we gone down a YouTube rabbit hole jumping from one video to the next??
Basically, do whatever feels good and keeps the good vibes vibing
Freshen Up
It’s simple, but a bath or shower can do wonders for feeling our usual fantastic self! And don’t underestimate the feel-good factor of brushing our teeth, either! A little self-pampering goes a long way when we feel less than fresh after a big one.
Buddy Up
It can help to have a pact and check in with someone else who’s coming down too. If we’ve been partying with friends, they’re probably going through something similar, so message each other and check in on how everyone is going. Sharing a comedown experience can help us feel less alone and more connected. If we’re not together, start a group chat everyone can be part of.
Self Check In
Sometimes, comedowns can be an emotional rollercoaster. It might feel overwhelming at times, but we’ll get through it. We’ve done it before and we can do it again! If we feel like we need a good cry, that’s okay. There’s no right or wrong way to feel when we’re coming down. Practising gratitude can be a game-changer in helping us stay on top of our mood.
Keep Hydrated
If we’ve spent all night shaking our booty on the dancefloor, there’s a chance we could be dehydrated the day after. If we’ve not had enough water, our body will feel much better once we get that hydration back.
Drink something that’ll help balance out our electrolytes, such as a sports drink, coconut water, or water with rehydration tablets — these can be bought in most pharmacies.
Keep Fueled
We probably won’t want to dig into a four-course meal when we’re coming down! Food might be the last thing on our mind, but our body needs fuel to aid the recovery. Have something light and fresh on hand that’s easy to prepare, nutritious and delicious! We’ll likely feel much better if we can eat something.
Need Help
If we’re worried about ourselves or someone else when coming down, seek medical help. Call 000 if it’s an emergency, especially if someone is unconscious and unresponsive. Paramedics are there to help and won’t involve the police because someone’s taken drugs. They will only involve the police if they’re in danger, or if someone is a danger to themselves or others.
DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.