Sub-drop and Aftercare Kits

What is sub-drop?
Sub-drop is a terrible thing. It usually occurs within 24 hours of a scene in my case. You may feel cold, tired, depressed, and like the world will end. You may want to give up the lifestyle, or the community. All of these things have happened to me. You will be irrational and confused, but hang on - it will pass.

Sub-drop is generally thought to occur from a crash in adrenaline and endorphins. As Doms/Tops also have these chemicals flowing, Top-drop is possible as well, although much more rare, perhaps they have a more gradual curve in these chemicals.

Dealing with sub-drop
If your Master gives you a ritual, requested response, or lets you know something he particularly likes to eat, (etc) write it down if you are allowed. The act of writing something will help you remember it. Also, when you are not with Him, or feel like you are not serving to your ability, you can read over it, and it will renew your sense of belonging to him, and will make you feel better. I personally keep a blog, and when my Master had time to read it, He could do so easily, and not use our extremely limited time together to read a hand-written one. See if you are allowed to keep a journal or blog. Remember to keep your blog blocked or leave any information that might be damaging to you or your Master. Blogging, reading what you have written about why you love and love to serve your Master, and reading information about BDSM in books or online can make you feel much better emotionally.

If you find that you are suffering from sub-drop, tell your Master immediately. He will know how to help you, or can find out. It is EXTREMELY important to let your Master know that you are feeling this, as you will likely act out, feel resentment, or other strange and unexpected emotions. If you experience sub-drop, you will likely feel sad, angry, and like you do not belong in the lifestyle. You will make mistakes during this time, and you will not be yourself.

Say you are at home, alone, and experiencing sub-drop. You have tried to contact your Master, but He is not available. Firstly, carry out any tasks given to you previously as well as you can. If you have free time, I urge you to work out, nap, or go out with friends, depending of course on your level of freedom. Serving your Master will make you feel better, as will working out (it renews the endorphins), and napping can help to replenish your energy stores. These things will also make the time past faster. Read your journal if you have one, or any books or online writing about techniques, sub-drop, making toys, etc (if allowed). Do not read any type of depressing writing.

Preventing sub-drop
If you play in public, or anywhere other than your own home, be sure to have anything you need for aftercare in your toy bag or in a separate bag. My after-care kit has a nice fuzzy blanket for if I get cold, easy to put on clothing, a towel to dry sweat or to be lighter than the blanket (I tend to skip the blanket in the summer), a stuffed animal and a pacfier (I tend to become "little" after playing sometimes), food, candy/glucose tablets, WATER, and whoever I scene with knows what I need. After playing I am generally fuzzy and happy for a few hours, and drop can start then or later. To prevent it, I do everything on the "Dealing with sub-drop" heading. Also, eating well the days around the scene and being sure to have eaten before and be well hydrated can help your body recover more quickly.


More about sub-drop can also be found in "Advice to Masters".