What do pupils do when high

The scientific term for pupils dilating is mydriasis. When a pupil gets smaller it is called miosis. This means when your pupils are getting wider due to light it will only be because they have already constricted.

And why do our pupils get smaller in response to light? Similarly, our pupils will get smaller to help us see things that are closer to us. That is an incredibly simplified version of how it works, however. The third reason for dilation, a response to an outside or internal stimulus, is where our interest lies here.

When a drug or substance that affects your nervous system is introduced into your body it has a chance of affecting your eyes. A variety of drugs can cause this, some prescription and some not. The most common type of drugs that cause miosis are opiates. There are some other interesting facts about pupil constriction in relation to opiates like heroin and morphine. Pupils will typically constrict within 15 minutes to an hour of heroin entering the body and can last between three and five hours.

Someone who is non-dependent can experience constricted pupils for up to two hours, while someone who is dependent will have their eyes return to normal within 15 minutes.

You can make an educated guess or even an uneducated guess, but in order to know for sure, you will need a lot more information. Remember, all of our bodies are reacting to a lot of different factors all at once. The main offender here is THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid. When you smoke weed, THC temporarily raises your heart rate and blood pressure, which lasts about 10 minutes.

Afterward, as your heart rate normalizes and your blood pressure begins to decrease, the blood vessels and capillaries also relax, which allows for blood flow to rush into them , including the eye area. Since the eyes are sensitive, they will quickly become red.

Weed can reduce inner-eye pressure, so patients with glaucoma are often recommended to use weed to relieve their symptoms. Many psychotropic drugs are known to cause visible signs of being under the influence, pupil dilation being the most common one, so many wonder if marijuana also dilates your pupils. The main reason for this is the blood pressure changes that happen due to THC entering your system, which results in a quick rush of blood throughout the body including the eyes, which are very sensitive.

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs. Skip to content. Fraser Horton. Last Updated on November 5, Why Does Pupil Dilation Happen? Other common signs of intoxication indicated by the eyes include: Rapid involuntary movements of the eyeballs Redness or bloodshot eyes Changes in pupil size: constricted or dilated How Drugs Affect the Pupils Almost every substance that is taken in excess has the potential to cause changes in the eyes of the user.

Alcohol — Intoxication can lead to double vision, enlarged pupils, rapid eye movements, blurry vision Amphetamines — excessive pupil dilation, rapid involuntary eye movements, blurry vision Molly, Ecstasy, MDMA — excessive pupil dilation, quivering pupils nystagmus , blurry vision Benzodiazepines — Much like alcohol, intoxication can lead to double vision, blurry vision, and if the pupils are dilated this can be a sign of overdose.

Cocaine, crack cocaine — This class of stimulant drugs causes the brain to release endorphins and adrenaline. As this happens, the pupils will dilate. Symptoms of cocaine addiction and overdose often include visual hallucinations. GHB — Often referred to as liquid ecstasy, GHB is a depressant that can be abused by putting the drug in the eyes using eye drops and more commonly mixed into a drink and consumed.

Because of its depressant effects, GHB abuse often leads pupils to constrict and become pinpoint. Common signs of GHB overdose can also include visual hallucinations.

Signs of heroin overdose often include pinpoint pupils that do not respond to changes in light. Inhalants — Abusing substances such as paint thinner, nitrous, or computer duster can lead to watering and bloodshot or red eyes. Ketamine — This common party drug often induces rapid, involuntary eye movement and dilated pupils. Opioids hydrocodone, morphine, Oxycontin, fentanyl etc. Signs of opioid overdose often include pinpoint pupils that do not respond to changes to light.

Rapid eye movements and bloodshot color are also common.