Whether they’re jumping out of planes, diving off cliffs, or ziplining through forests, some people do whatever it takes to get the adrenaline rush they need to curb their craving.
These adrenaline seekers are also described as high sensation-seekers, according to sports psychologist Martine Parent.
“[High sensation-seekers] may be hyper-stimulated by novel experiences because their brains release more dopamine during these events than those of low sensation-seekers,” Parent said via email.
“The result of this dopamine flood is an intensely pleasurable experience that has the sensation-seeker coming back for more.”
How it works
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone released from the adrenal gland in a human body when faced with stressful or dangerous situations.
The epinephrine leads to the release of three chemicals into the brain: dopamine, endorphins, and norepinephrine, Parent said.
The chemicals released in the brain all have their specific functions, Parent said. Endorphins ease pain, while dopamine and norepinephrine are performance enhancers.
Dopamine, which is the brain’s pleasure reward system, seems to be the major player, Parent said.
“The satisfaction associated with exercise probably also involves dopamine,” Parent said.
“[Dopamine] turns on the brain’s reward system. It makes people want to repeat enjoyable experiences, everything from doing physical activity, eating chocolate, using illicit drugs or having sex.”
Adrenaline, along with cortisol (another hormone released from the adrenal gland), is pushed through the blood stream, giving the body an energy boost, according to Parent.
Parent believes that people feel good when they get a rush of adrenaline, which can be related to improved body image and a “sense of accomplishment.”
Another effect of adrenaline is the “fight-or-flight” response and a heightened sense of awareness.
“The muscles will become tighter and prepared for some exertion,” Parent said. “The senses will become more attuned. Pupils will dilate to allow more light to enter the eye and thus improve eyesight.”
“Adrenaline reportedly has effects of giving people superhuman strength, speed and other abilities that allow them to react adequately under traumatic conditions,” she said.
Michael Patone, who works at the Ottawa High Performance Centre dealing with the strength and conditioning of athletes, said he sees such positive effects in the athletes he works with.
“Looking at my background, dealing with athletes in strength and conditioning, right before competition, there’s a heightened awareness, [athletes are] really in tune with what’s happening,” Patone said.
One of the things that makes humans crave adrenaline is the norepinephrine released, as it mimics speed, the second most addictive drug, wrote Steven Kotler in “The Addictive Nature of Adrenaline Sports” in Psychology Today.
The downside
As with anything else, too much of one thing can have negative consequences.
“Constant exposure to adrenaline can cause a dulling effect that can have damaging effects on your body because of over stress of the adrenal gland,” Patone said.
“You need to push the envelope, so to speak, and that eventually creates a desire to go higher or jump further or whatever it may be,” she said.
Physiological implications such as fluctuations in blood pressure, anxiety attacks and negative impacts on athletic performance are all potential side-effects, Patone said.
“From a competition standpoint, you’re playing with a fine line here,” Patone said. “You’ve got to be in the moment, in a relaxed and concentrated state without being over-excited.”
In highly technical sports such as javelin, discus and shot put, athletes may execute many repetitions in practice, Patone said.
But if the athlete has too much adrenaline, it can make them release too early or late, or have too much rotation in the throw.
People who crave adrenaline are often putting themselves in situations where they can constantly experience that rush of neurochemicals, but eventually, that rush can wear off.
However, athletes can use adrenaline to their benefit as long as they can control it, according to Patone.
“There’s definitely adrenaline when you’re doing intense exercise,” Patone said. “But short term is key.”
“It can be a very positive thing when channeled and focused in the right manner,” he said.
Sports psychologists like Parent work with athletes to help them with mental training, in order to control their adrenaline so it “doesn’t take away the performance from you,” Patone said.
Working on focus, mental imagery, breathing exercises and positive thinking are all useful tools in helping athletes manage their stress level, Parent said.
Adrenaline is the body’s way of handling stress, Patone said.
“Depending on the lifestyle you live is the true factor on how much adrenaline you’re going to experience on a daily basis,” Patone said.
“Everyone lives on adrenaline at different levels, but you have to remember that adrenaline is also stress. Even if the stress is positive, you still need to give a break to your body and take care of yourself.”
