A comedown can look different depending on various factors, such as: what substance a person used, in what amount, whether it was combined with other substances, as well as the person’s psychological and physical state before use. After the effects wear off, one may notice mood changes, fatigue, irritability, nausea, or even flu-like symptoms. These states are the result of depletion of neurotransmitters—substances in the brain that influence our mood, energy, and perception of reality.

During the effects of a drug, large amounts of chemical substances are released in the brain, bringing intense feelings such as euphoria, empathy, or joy. When their levels drop sharply, a so-called mood crash occurs—a period of psychological decline that can last from several hours to several days. At this point, there may be a temptation to take another dose of the substance or a different substance to relieve these unpleasant feelings. However, this step usually only deepens exhaustion and can lead to long-term health problems or the development of dependence.

Instead, it is important to give both the body and mind time to recover. Rest, sufficient fluids, nutritious food, replenishing vitamins and minerals, a calm environment, and contact with close people who provide a sense of safety can all help. If the condition does not improve, it is completely okay to ask for support—whether from professionals providing psychological help or from a trusted person with whom you can speak openly about what is happening.

Most common symptoms of a comedown:

• mental exhaustion,
• fatigue,
• sadness,
• irritability,
• anxiety,
• confusion or disorientation,
• physical symptoms (headache, tension, stomach problems),
• feelings of guilt.

What helps the body and mind after a demanding night
The period after using psychoactive substances can be challenging, but with appropriate care, unpleasant symptoms can be alleviated and the body’s regeneration supported. Below are recommendations that may help with both physical and psychological recovery.

Physical regeneration
First and foremost, it is advisable to take a break from using any addictive substances. The body and brain need time to recover, especially to regenerate serotonin levels, which affect mood and overall well-being. Balanced nutrition also plays an important role in recovery after psychoactive substance use. Nutrient-rich foods such as bananas, dark chocolate, or nuts naturally support serotonin production and may help alleviate depressive moods. Prefer meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins, which support bodily regeneration and energy stabilization.

At the same time, it is advisable to avoid fatty and highly processed foods such as fast food. These can cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which may negatively affect mood and overall well-being.

Vitamin supplements can also help. Vitamin C supports bodily recovery and strengthens the immune system, while B vitamins support proper functioning of the nervous system and may alleviate fatigue, tension, or irritability. It is also important to replenish magnesium, as its levels in the body may be reduced after using psychoactive substances. Magnesium helps relax muscle tension, reduces tremors or cramps, supports healthy sleep, and contributes to stabilization of the nervous system, which is especially important after physical and psychological exhaustion.

Adequate sleep is crucial, as it allows the body to regenerate and stabilize mental state. Hydration is equally important. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich fluids to replenish lost fluids and support recovery. Avoid caffeinated or overly sweet beverages, which may worsen headaches and anxiety.

If you take prescription medications (for example blood pressure, hormonal, or psychiatric medications), it is important to be aware that combining them with other substances, including drugs, means combining the effects of different substances in the body. Such combinations may have unpredictable or undesirable effects, which can manifest not only during use but also afterward (for example mood changes, fatigue, or worsening mental well-being). Therefore, it is advisable to consider possible risks beforehand and seek information in advance or consult a professional.

Psychological regeneration
Taking care of psychological well-being is just as important as caring for the body. Gentle movement, such as a short walk, can help by supporting the release of endorphins and naturally improving mood. It is also beneficial to engage in activities that bring you joy. Watch a favorite movie, listen to music, play with an animal, or do something that calms you.

Even though it may be tempting to withdraw from the world, do not isolate yourself. Contact with close people—talking with a friend, sister, or parent—can help provide perspective and a sense of safety.

After using substances such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, or other psychoactive substances, experiences can be very intense—sometimes so much so that they are difficult to process. In such moments, “writing it out” can help—recording what you experienced, saw, felt, or thought about. Writing about the experience is a simple but effective way to give structure to thoughts that may feel chaotic or overwhelming afterward.

Recording the experience helps gain distance, process emotions, and better understand what happened during the experience. You may write down thoughts, images, colors, feelings, or specific situations that affected you.

Such reflective writing helps restore contact with oneself, reduce anxiety, and gradually integrate the experience into everyday life. In psychology, this form of processing is referred to as journaling, or therapeutic writing. Research shows that regular writing about thoughts and feelings can help to:

• manage anxiety and stress,
  
• better recognize personal triggers and reactions,
  
• process experiences that were intense or confusing,
  
• support positive inner dialogue and reduce self-criticism.
  

Grounding techniques
In stressful situations or during emotional overload, we may feel as if we have lost contact with ourselves or our surroundings. Such states are common in anxiety, stress, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They can also occur after the use of psychoactive substances, when the effects are wearing off and the body and mind are trying to cope with the aftermath. During this period, feelings of derealization, anxiety, disorientation, excessive thinking, or emotional fluctuations may appear.

One effective way to return to the present moment and regain control is through grounding techniques.

Grounding techniques are simple exercises that help you focus on the present through engaging your senses, body, or mind. They work as an “anchor” that stabilizes you when thoughts, emotions, or stress reactions feel overwhelming.

Especially during a comedown, when mental state may be sensitive, unstable, or confused, grounding helps reduce negative feelings, restore contact with reality, and support a return to psychological stability.

Exercises

There are several simple relaxing and grounding exercises that can help reduce tension, anxiety, or overwhelm. These may include breathing exercises, sensory engagement, brief physical relaxation, or creative activities. Different things work for different people, so it makes sense to try and find what works best for you.

When to seek professional help?

If the comedown lasts longer than a few days, or if your difficulties worsen instead of gradually easing, it is advisable to seek professional help. Long-term sadness, anxiety, insomnia, or feelings of hopelessness are not something you should have to manage alone. Seeking support early can significantly contribute to stabilization of mental state and faster recovery.

Môžete sa obrátiť na krízové linky psychologickej podpory a pomoci, kde vám poskytnú podporu anonymne a bezplatne. Ak máte obavy, že by ste mohli ublížiť sebe alebo niekomu inému, neváhajte kontaktovať svojho lekára alebo lekárku, prípadne choďte na najbližšiu pohotovosť a otvorene povedzte, akú látku ste užili. Odborníci a odborníčky sú tu na to, aby pomohli, nie aby súdili.

There is no reason to feel shame or guilt. Seeking help is a sign of responsibility toward yourself and your health. If you need support or counseling, you can also contact us at OZ Odyseus. We provide free psychological counseling and support for people experiencing difficult periods after using psychoactive substances. We are here for you if you need a safe space where you can talk openly and with understanding about your experiences.

Sources:

https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/#wheel

https://www.changegrowlive.org/young-people/drugs/comedowns

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grounding-techniques

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552

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SET

Set refers to the user’s personal disposition, personality, and psychological state. The effect a drug will have also depends on how you feel and how prepared you are for using it.

• If you have hereditary mental illnesses in your family, a drug may trigger or worsen the condition.
  
  
• If you are using a substance for the first time, think it through carefully and find out as much information as possible about the drug and its dosage.
  
  
• If you are afraid or uncertain about whether to use a drug, it is better not to use it at all.
• It is good to know yourself and to know which substances have a negative effect on you, and to avoid them.
• Many drugs open new and unknown experiences, so it is not possible to speak of 100% readiness or maturity “for experimenting with a drug.”
• Regular users may have different experiences than a person who is using a drug for the first time or experimenting with drugs.

SETTING

Setting refers to the environment and atmosphere in which drugs are used. The conditions and the people you are with also influence the effect a substance will have on you.

• If you are going to use a drug, be with people you trust and know, who will be able to help you.
• Know well the place where you are going to use the drug. Have access to drinking water and help.
• Festivals and unfamiliar environments are places where experimenting with drugs is particularly risky.

SITTER

A sitter is a person who is with you and takes care of you while you are under the influence of a drug. It should be someone who is not under the influence and can provide first aid.

• A sitter is someone you know well and trust.
• A sitter is not under the influence of a drug.
• A sitter should be familiar with the substance, know harm reduction strategies (strategies to reduce risks associated with drug use), and understand the risks related to the substance.
• A sitter can save your life, so it is an advantage if they know the basics of first aid and what to do in case of an overdose of the given substance.

Basics of tripsitting

How to help a person during a difficult psychedelic experience

1. Awareness and presence

• Pay attention to people around you – ask how they feel and whether they need anything.
• In difficult states, very little is often enough – a calm voice, water, company, a place with minimal stimulation.
• Do not judge or invalidate individual experiences and feelings; be a present person who provides a sense of safety.

2. Specific steps when someone is having a difficult experience

• Offer water and ask whether they would like to change their environment (a quieter corner, further away from noise).
• Breathing – sit down with the person and breathe slowly into the belly together.
• Remind the person that the state will pass – it is temporary and it will be okay.
• Tell them they are safe – your reassurance helps stabilize the state.
• Trust the process – even a challenging experience can be meaningful. Do not force the person to “function normally.”
• Proceed sensitively – do not push, pressure, or force anything. Intervene only if there is danger.
• Do not introduce your own thoughts – if you have “big insights,” save them for later.
• Do not direct, only accompany – the person knows themselves where they need to go.
• Grounding – if the person is “floating” or stuck in loops:
  • sit on the ground,
  • gently press their shoulders (only if they agree),
  • ask them to touch the ground with bare feet,
  • hold their hand – only if previously agreed upon.
• Find out what helps the person – focus on that, as everyone has different needs.

3. If the situation is beyond your capacity

• Some experiences cannot be talked through or managed alone.
• If you feel you can no longer handle it, call for help: friends, medical professionals, or contact us at +421 903 786 706.
• Do not stay in it alone.

4. Rules of safer use (also serve as prevention, e.g. of a bad trip)

• Set & setting – a person should not use a substance if they:
  • do not feel mentally well,
  • are in an unfamiliar environment,
  • are surrounded by unknown people,
  • do not feel safe.
• Know the substance – origin, dosage, effects. Do not use unknown substances.
• Do not combine – some combinations can be dangerous (e.g. alcohol + stimulants).
• Take care of the body – drink water (but not too much), eat occasionally, avoid dangerous terrain, be careful in the sun.
• Respect others – not everyone wants to hug, laugh, or be confronted.
• Be considerate and supportive – we all create the atmosphere together.
• Pause and check in with yourself – how do you feel? Do you have enough energy to be there for another person?

5. When panic or anxiety takes over during a trip

• Remind the person:
  “Every state eventually passes.”
  “What is happening is part of the process.”

“Do not suppress the feelings, let them flow.”

• Seek support – in case of life-threatening situations, call 155 or 112; if you need advice, contact us at +421 903 786 706.

A drug experience can be intense and can take many forms, from pleasant feelings and experiences to negative ones. Therefore, it is very important to know the risks associated with drug use and also the ways to minimize these risks. This means knowing not only the drug but also yourself, using the drug in a suitable environment, and having someone with you who can provide help. Even if all these points are met, it is never 100% guaranteed that the entire experience will go according to your expectations and without problems. In case of negative consequences related to drug use, you can seek our help. Do not stay in it alone.

Sources:

Set, setting, a sitter. Made by OZ Odyseus. 2014.

Pravidla bezpečného užívání – factsheet. Česká psychedelická společnost. https://czeps.org/factsheety/

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The post INTOXI 2022 appeared first on drogy.org.

In 2002, OZ Odysseus began to publish the monthly magazine INTOXI – a magazine for people who inject drugs and/or sex workers. In particular, INTOXI provides expert information to clients attending the Programs Protect Yourself and K2-Contact Center with the Community. At the moment, however, Intoxi magazine is available to all visitors to the site drogy.org.

December 2021

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Brochure

Safer drug use is the Odyseus brochure intended for injecting drug users. The text contains expert information aimed at safer injecting and reducing the risks associated with drug use.

The publication is the property of OZ Odyseus and no part of it may be copied or reproduced without the written consent of OZ Odyseus.

If you are interested in purchasing more info-educational materials, including the brochure Safer injection drug use, please contact us.

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