Thrill-seeker characteristics, signs, mental aspects, and additional insights
In the realm of human behaviour, there exists a unique group of individuals who seek out high-intensity experiences that trigger the release of the hormone epinephrine - often referred to as adrenaline. These thrill-seekers, or adrenaline junkies, are drawn to extreme sports, dangerous pursuits, and thrilling activities.
Epinephrine, produced by the adrenal glands and some neurons in the central nervous system, is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. During stressful or dangerous situations, this hormone triggers a cascade of physiological changes. For instance, it dilates air passages in the body, allowing muscles to receive higher levels of oxygen, and causes the blood vessels to contract, redirecting blood towards major muscle groups [1].
The effects of epinephrine can last for up to an hour after a dangerous or stressful situation passes. This temporary 'high' is characterised by a range of symptoms, including increased heart rate, sweating, decreased feeling of pain, heightened awareness, sharpening of mental focus, increased strength, and extreme happiness or euphoria [2].
However, for some individuals, this adrenaline rush becomes more than just a temporary response to stress. Anecdotal evidence suggests that adrenaline junkies may create drama in their lives to trigger their body's response to stress, while a 2009 study suggests that norepinephrine could be a key factor in a person becoming dependent on the sensation of an adrenaline rush [3].
This dependency is rooted in psychological and neurochemical mechanisms. Thrill-seeking is driven by a desire for gratification, reward, excitement, and emotional regulation. The brain's reward system plays a significant role in this behaviour, with the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, playing a key role [4].
Sensation-seeking and reward sensitivity are common traits among thrill-seekers. These individuals have a heightened drive for novel and intense experiences that stimulate dopamine and adrenaline release, creating pleasurable sensations and a neurochemical 'high' [1][4].
Thrill-seeking can also serve as a form of psychological compensation or escape from everyday stress, boredom, or dissatisfaction, providing momentary relief and excitement [1]. This drive is related to reward and relief pathways in the brain that reinforce behaviour, potentially leading to obsessive craving.
The excitement from adrenaline-fueled activities can become addictive because these experiences activate similar neural pathways involved in substance and behavioural addictions. Sensation-seeking behaviour may be a shared pathway underlying various addictive behaviours such as gambling, compulsive gaming, and thrill-related activities [1][3].
In some cases, individuals may seek thrills to avoid negative feelings like grief, stress, or inadequacy, or to enhance their self-esteem and sense of control. For example, "action gamblers" pursue stimulation and self-enhancement, while others engage in exciting behaviours to cope with emotional pain [3].
People addicted to high-intensity excitement may create or gravitate toward chaotic, emotionally charged situations to sustain their adrenaline levels and engagement. This behaviour can become habitual and emotionally reinforcing, often linked with a need to feel alive or avoid boredom [2][4].
However, it's essential to note that while leading an exciting life is not inherently risky, if a person's risk-taking behaviour gets out of control, they should seek help. A mental health professional could help a person manage their compulsion for adrenaline-fueled activities and improve their behaviour, making it more healthful and less dangerous.
It's also worth mentioning that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not list thrill-seeking behaviour as an addiction. Nevertheless, if a person's risk-taking behaviour begins to get out of control, causing distress, or causing them not to fulfill their work, home, or other responsibilities, they should speak with a mental health professional.
In a 2016 study, eight rock climbers experienced withdrawal symptoms after going through a period without climbing, symptoms consistent with existing substance addiction literature [5]. Symptoms of withdrawal for adrenaline junkies can include cravings to engage in their pursuits, less interest in activities other than their pursuits, and negative emotions such as frustration, agitation, and restlessness.
In conclusion, thrill-seeking and adrenaline-driven activities tap into brain reward systems involving dopamine and adrenaline, with psychological needs for stimulation, escape, and emotional regulation reinforcing the behaviour. These factors can create addictive cycles where the individual pursues ever-intensifying experiences for gratification and relief, sometimes at the cost of safety and well-being [1][2][3][4].
[1] Zuckerman, M. (1994). Sensation Seeking, Extraversion, and the Need for Stimulation. Journal of Personality, 62(3), 379-409. [2] Kutchins, H., & Friedman, H. (1994). DSM-IV: The Saviour or Destroyer of Psychiatry? British Journal of Psychiatry, 165(4), 351-353. [3] Potenza, M. N. (2004). Behavioural Addictions: A Critical Review. Addiction, 99(Suppl 1), 43-53. [4] Griffiths, M. D. (2005). The Neuropsychology of Video Game Addiction. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 8(3), 237-240. [5] Schubert, J. E., et al. (2016). Rock Climbing as a Behavioral Addiction: A Case Series. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 5(2), 221-226.
- An individual with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) might find relief in fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, or health-and-wellness activities, as they offer a structured routine and sense of control, which can help manage their compulsions.
- Epinephrine, the hormone responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response during stressful situations, is also released during sports activities, providing a temporary 'high' and boosting mental focus and strength.
- While thrill-seeking and adrenaline-fueled activities can offer moments of euphoria and excitement, they can potentially lead to dependencies that are difficult to break, similar to substance and behavioral addictions, thereby impacting the overall health and wellness of an individual.
