When You’re High, Do You Become Very Honest and Say Your Feelings?

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When you’re high, do your true feelings come out?

Substance use has profound side effects on emotions and behaviors. Understanding the relationship between intoxication and emotional honesty is crucial for social health.

You might wonder: Let’s say when you took an edible, opioid, substance with THC and CBD or been drinking alcohol, then you’re high, do your true feelings come out? The answer is as complicated as the brain itself. Plenty of factors affect your emotional expression while under the influence. These include dosage and frequency of use, personality traits, and environmental factors.

This article will cover the negative effects of substance use on emotional honesty, mental health conditions, mental illness, and how to prioritize your wellness and well-being not only in the short term but in the long run.

How Substance Use Affects the Brain and Behavior

Substance use can disrupt the delicate balance of your brain’s chemistry. The more drugs enter the system, the more they can mess up its circuitry.

Alters Emotional Regulation and Expression

Neurotransmitters, or the brain’s chemical messengers, facilitate communication in the nervous system. Some chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, make you happy and improve your mood. Substances amplify these effects and make you hungry for more.

For example, cocaine and methamphetamines cause a surge of dopamine, which triggers pleasurable sensations. Over time, it gets harder to feel good without them. You crave more to get the same high.

Ecstasy floods your body with another feel-good hormone, serotonin. It stimulates euphoria, empathy, and higher energy—but at a cost. The drug also depletes these happy chemicals, contributing to mood swings.

Affects Inhibition and Decision-Making

The prefrontal cortex performs critical functions, including impulse control and decision-making.

Substance use can send your prefrontal cortex into disarray, clouding your judgment. This can lead to questionable decisions and reckless behavior.

The Link Between Substance Use and Emotional Honesty

People who use drugs tend to become less inhibited. Suddenly, they’re spilling their guts. Emotional honesty can be good until you say something you’ll soon regret.

The Effect of Specific Substances on Honesty and Openness

These are the ways specific substances affect honesty and openness:

• Alcohol use lowers your inhibitions and makes you more chatty and emotional.
• Cannabis or marijuana use mimics the effects of alcohol but may also lead to calmness and relaxation.
• Psychedelics, like LSD and magic mushrooms, trigger profound emotional experiences. They may even help people confront and process difficult emotions.
• Stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, stir feelings of elation and affect emotional responses.

Factors That Can Affect the Level of Honesty and Emotional Expression During Intoxication

These factors affect how honest or emotional a person can be when under the influence:

1. Individual Differences and Personality Traits

Some people are naturally more expressive, especially the young people. They might even be more so when they’re drunk or high. Others who are more reserved might clam up, even when intoxicated.

2. Social and Environmental Factors

Who you’re with and where you are can regulate how you express your feelings during intoxication.

You might feel more comfortable being open if you’re with close friends. But you might be more guarded in unfamiliar territory or with strangers.

3. Substance Dose and Frequency of Use

If you’re a heavy user, you might have built up a tolerance and need more to feel the same effects. This could make you numb to your thoughts and emotions.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Emotional Honesty Under the Influence

Emotional honesty with substance use is two-faced. First, let’s explore the benefits of increased emotional expression during intoxication:

• Improved communication and self-disclosure: Emotional honesty can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations.
• Strengthening relationships through vulnerability: Sharing something personal can help build trust in relationships.
• Potential therapeutic applications: Psychedelics may soon assist therapies in treating mental health disorders.

Now, here’s the ugly side of emotional honesty under the influence:

• Impulsive and inappropriate disclosures: You may overshare, say inappropriate things, or reveal sensitive information.
• Emotional vulnerability and potential manipulation: People may take advantage of your altered state and influence your thoughts or behavior to their benefit.
• Miscommunication and misunderstanding: Substance use can affect your perception and ability to comprehend and convey information, resulting in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

How to Navigate Emotional Honesty While Intoxicated

Consider these techniques when navigating emotional honesty while intoxicated:

1. Practice Self-Awareness and Mindfulness During Substance Use

Mindfulness is focusing your awareness of your thoughts and feelings on the present moment. Practice mindfulness with these tips:

• Pay attention to subtle cues and sensations of stress and discomfort.
• Take deep breaths and tap into your emotions.
• Be mindful of changes in your emotional state.
• Surround yourself with trusted people who can keep you grounded and accountable.

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment for Emotional Expression

Here’s how to create a supportive environment for emotional expression during substance use:

• Make sure that the people you’re hanging out with are open to honest communication.
• Choose a private space where you feel safe to share your emotions.
• Show empathy and listen to others expressing their thoughts.
• Avoid people who you know will judge or shame you for your feelings.
• Avoid stressful activities that can provoke negative emotions.

3. Set Boundaries and Establish Limits for Self-Disclosure

Check out these tips for setting your limits for self-disclosure:

• Reflect on your values and beliefs before using a substance.
• Decide in advance what information you’re comfortable sharing.
• Communicate your boundaries with those around you.

Alternative Approaches to Emotional Honesty

Below are some positive ways to approach emotional honesty:

1. Develop Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills

Developing emotional intelligence and communication skills requires ongoing practice and self-reflection. Here’s how to get started:

• Practice active listening. Try to understand the other person’s perspective without interruption or judgment.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage intense feelings. Take deep breaths or learn when to step away.
• Reflect on your emotions and their effect on your behavior and communication.
• Ask family and friends for feedback on your communication style.

2. Seek Professional Help for Emotional Support and Guidance

Therapists or counselors are your best resources for guidance on approaching emotional honesty and medical advice when you’re suffering from substance abuse and use disorders.

They can help you identify underlying issues that hinder your ability to communicate openly and create a unique treatment program tailored only for you or your loved one.

3. Explore Non-Pharmacological Methods for Enhancing Emotional Honesty

You can learn to explore and process your emotions without using harmful substances. You can try these methods instead:

• Mindfulness exercises
• Therapy
• Communication skills training
• Self-reflection and journaling

Final Thoughts

The relationship between substance use and emotional honesty is complex. That said, it’s essential to understand the potential benefits and risks of increased emotional expression during intoxication.

Remember, you can express your most authentic emotions without losing yourself.