Risk-Taking Behavior and Adrenalin Addiction
It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane.
– Charles Lindbergh
Risk-Taking Behavior and Adrenalin Addiction
Life has prepared us with effective ways of coping with danger and dealing with intense situations and stress. Adrenaline a hormone excreted by the adrenal glands is one of the most important survival mechanisms flooding the bloodstream, preparing the body’s “fight or flight” response.
Adrenaline can be beneficial. It keeps us alert and helps us focus. Some people become addicted to the adrenalin “rush,” and compulsively engage in dangerous experiences without regard for the risks which may be physical, mental, social, financial or legal. People who seek out such experiences are typically known as adrenaline junkies or thrill-seekers.
We tend to see clients with a need for adrenaline also have a comorbid presentation of some sort. Perhaps, bipolar, borderline, or personality disorder. However, we also tend to encourage high-risk activities with most executives we work with.
At New Life Marbella we believe in high-risk activities such as rock climbing car racing parachuting white water rafting or bungee jumping, for some of our clients.
However, sensation-seeking behaviour doesn’t always involve sports. People who crave excitement and danger may pursue careers in the military or as firefighters or police officers. They may also pursue dangerous relationships, either romantic or social.
Possible hidden adrenaline addiction:
Adrenaline seekers may also be high-level executives who deal with constant pressure. Thrill-seeking behaviour can also include people who tend to be in constant crisis or conflict. We are familiar with client’s who want a relationship with dangerous people or have multiple relationships, they need attention.
Adrenaline junkies are in danger of their lives
The obvious result of an adrenaline addiction is an extreme danger to life and limb especially when the behaviour becomes more reckless with each passing day. Adrenaline junkies may also experience increased stress damaged relationships heart trouble stomach problems high blood pressure and insomnia.
However, on the flip side. An Executive might learn to skydive to increase his or her ability to focus and be in the moment. This is found to be very helpful when supported by daily exercises such as mindfulness and meditation.
Adrenaline junkies are also prone to drug and alcohol addiction. The progression from thrill-seeking behaviour to substance abuse is a relatively small step drug and alcohol stimulate the release of dopamine a similar “feel good” chemical associated with intense pleasure.
New Life Marbella teaches substitution techniques. Removing hardcore using with other activities that benefit rather than cause damage to a client and their family.
Adrenaline, when it is addiction is difficult to stop. Tolerance develops and addicts require more and more to stop the cravings and achieve the next high. Addicts may wonder how their lives became so out of control and chaotic they promise friends and family they will slow down usually without success.
New Life Marbella provides an aftercare plan and family support network to allow all clients to engage with the team members they connect with the most. This ensures a safe transition back into the family of origin.
Coping with an Adrenaline Addiction
Self-help techniques may moderate cravings for high-risk activities. For example, try deep breathing mindfulness meditation or gentle exercise.
Also, avoid caffeine energy drinks and other stimulants and try to get enough sleep every night.
However, despite all best efforts adrenaline junkies frequently need professional help especially those who struggle with depression or other mental illnesses or when substance use is involved. Drug and alcohol treatment or rehab is often beneficial and individual counselling or therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT) can help thrill-seekers learn to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more constructive ways of dealing with life.
We believe EMDR supported by sixty rapid sessions of Neurofeedback will regulate a leading executive or client. We have statistics that support this claim 100%. WE have been known to throw clients out of a plane at 15000 ft, with a parachute. Be aware!
