The rush for adrenaline

Everyone is familiar with the term adrenaline rush. It’s the holy grail of thrill seekers who strive for that heightened sense of awareness that comes with high risk sports and adventure. Whether it’s riding a 10-storey roller coaster or parachuting from a plane, the adrenaline surge is the same; and, is an integral part of the experience. Your body is telling you that this is terrifying!

Adrenaline is your body’s fight or flight response when faced with an acute stressful situation. It can be instigated by an extreme sport, a life-endangering situation or an intensely stressful moment. When released, the body immediately experiences a racing heart, sweaty palms and a heightened state of physical and mental alertness.

Where does this rush come from? Adrenaline is produced in the medulla in the adrenal glands as well as some of the central nervous system’s neurons. During stress, the hormone is released into the blood, sending impulses to organs to respond in a specific way. Air passages dilate to provide muscles with the oxygen needed to fight danger or run. Blood vessels contract to redirect blood toward major muscle groups, including the heart and lungs. The body’s ability to feel pain also diminishes causing a noticeable increase in strength and performance as well as heightened awareness. In addition, the muscles of the iris contract to allow the pupils to expand so you can see more clearly.

It’s no great surprise, then, that the term adrenaline junky exists. Let’s face it. The rush almost creates a temporary super human experience. Stronger, smarter, faster… sign me up! Alas, it’s not meant to last for long. When the intense stressful situation ends, the nerve impulses to the adrenal glands are lowered and the adrenal glands stop producing adrenaline. And, you’re back where you started.