Reader’s Question

Hi, Recently I have been having problems remembering what being sober feels like. I feel like I’m high despite being sober. I feel like what’s around me is lucid and not real. This then triggers a very panicked feeling which I then have to calm myself down from. Any idea about this?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

There’s not enough information to fine-tune a clinical impression. Important issues are what was abused, how long sober, trigger events, how long this lasts, etc. There are many clinical models for this experience however such as:

• A type of “rebound” that occurs if you’ve only recently gained sobriety. This experience almost always contains anxiety.
• What AA often calls a “dry drunk”, reflecting the presence of what feels like an intoxicated state when you are actually sober.
• Flashbacks that involved a form of Emotional Memory in which a trigger event, usually something associated with past alcohol or drug use, prompts an abuse-related memory and release of neurotransmitters similar to those abused. If we think hard about certain foods, we can almost get a taste of them due to this type of experience.

I would discuss this experience with a mental health or addictions professional in your area. With additional information you can probably pinpoint what’s going on.