- Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands to provide a surge of energy when a human is in danger and needs to react quickly. The glands are an integral part of the endocrine and nervous systems, which serve as coping mechanisms in times of stress. The adrenal hormones produced help to control blood sugar, blood pressure and immunity. Adrenaline is secreted to pump up these internal operations to prepare the body to take defensive actions. The body reacts by dilating the pupils to increase vision, pumping up the blood and sugar levels, and redistributing blood away from the skin and inner organs. The danger triggering an adrenaline rush can be real or imagined.
- Alcohol and certain drugs produce adrenal hormones that give the body the same rush as experienced when a human is in real physical danger. Heroin, caffeine and cocaine create the hormone dopamine, which is released through the adrenal glands, and provide the adrenal high that can become addicting. Likewise, intense exercise creates additional secretions to the adrenal glands, producing the rush affect of adrenaline.
- Often adrenaline is created as a result of intense feelings of anger or fear. The body is preparing for fight or flight, even though the situation may call for neither. Humans utilize adrenaline as a survival technique, and even though the response may be inappropriate it is nonetheless real. Alternatively, real fears, such as those produced when falling from an airplane or racing a car, give humans the ability to withstand the fear and react spontaneously.
- Adrenaline is produced when blood sugar drops to abnormal levels. People with hypoglycemia experience an increase in adrenaline that creates a panicky feeling. Aggressive mood changes often accompany a hypoglycemic attack. Conversely, diabetics can experience an elevated adrenaline rush when in situations that cause panic or excitement. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes abnormal release of adrenaline in response to perceived threats. Adrenaline rushes result from outside triggers. The rush is uncontrollable to sufferers of PTSD. Other neurosis and phobias such as fear of insects or high places can trigger an adrenaline rush in people with the disorder.
- Whether real or imagined pressure causes it, stress produces adrenaline. Adrenaline rushes can be useful in competitions, such as sports and online games, and to meet important deadlines. But too much of the hormone in the body can cause illnesses ranging from headaches to ulcers and nerve disorders. While infusions of adrenaline increase energy and alertness, they can induce fatigue and weariness in the long run.
