- Adrenaline junkie
Colloquially, an adrenaline junkie is somebody who appears to be addicted to adrenaline. Adrenaline in this case comes from an
endogenous source (i.e. theadrenal gland ) and does not imply the use ofexogenous adrenaline (e.g. injection).Pharmacokinetics
Although the term "adrenaline junkie" is normally used facetiously and without any genuine implication of
addiction , there may be an element of truth to the description. Psychological addiction to an "adrenaline rush" has been reported numerous times.Fact|date=January 2008An adrenaline rush is usually accompanied by an increase in
endorphin activity. Endorphins are responsible for feelings of well being, as well as pain relief. Due tosynaptic plasticity , increased endorphin activity creates an increase in endorphin receptor sites, which in turn can create a stronger desire for endorphins. Synaptic plasticity and receptor site proliferation are widely believed to be the mechanisms by which chemical addictions are developed.Fact|date=June 2008However, the same can be said for any endorphin-stimulating activity, whether laughter, physical exertion, sex, artistic expression or religious experience. Although synaptic plasticity may be responsible for chemical addictions, it is also believed to be involved in
reinforcement , the mechanism by which animals learn to differentiate what is desirable from what is undesirable. Seen in this context, chemical addiction could simply be seen as an aberrant form of plasticity.Although the effects of adrenaline are largely positive, increasing
cardiovascular activity and oxygenation, extended or chronic adrenal stimulation can eventually lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other stress-related diseases.Fact|date=June 2008
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