An adrenaline rush is one of the body’s vital defense mechanisms. This occurs when the body releases the hormone adrenaline, or epinephrine, into the bloodstream.

The adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys, produce adrenaline. Adrenaline is responsible for the fight-or-flight reaction to a threat and triggers specific processes in the body. For example, it might cause the body to send extra oxygen to the lungs to aid a person in running away.

Adrenaline allows a quick escape from danger but also has other effects on the body. These include decreasing the body’s ability to feel pain, temporarily increasing strength, and sharpening mental focus, allowing a person to think quickly and form a clear plan to escape a potential threat.

However, the release of adrenaline into the body may sometimes occur when there is no real threat. The hormone has the same effect on the body, whether or not the danger is present.

This article explains what happens when a person gets an adrenaline rush, why it occurs, and if a person can control it.

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The release of adrenaline into the body occurs very quickly, usually within minutes.

It goes away once the possible threat has disappeared. This speed is what gives an adrenaline rush its name.

Adrenaline triggers the following changes in the body:

  • increasing the heart rate, which may lead to a feeling of the heart racing
  • redirecting blood toward the muscles, causing a surge in energy, or shaking limbs
  • relaxing the airways to give the muscles more oxygen, which may cause breathing to become shallow
  • increasing the speed at which the brain works to plan an escape route

Side effects may include sweating as a reaction to stress, feeling lightheaded due to changes in blood and oxygen supply, and changing temperature due to blood redirection.

An adrenaline rush does not always happen when facing a real threat. It may also occur during times of stress, such as an exam or job interview. However, there is not much scientific evidence for this.

Extreme activities, including riding a rollercoaster or bungee jumping, can also trigger an adrenaline rush.

Some people enjoy the feeling of an adrenaline rush. They may choose to do extreme sports or activities to trigger a deliberate release of adrenaline into the body.

During the day, a person may be too busy or distracted to think about sources of stress or worry. These thoughts often appear at night as a person tries to sleep. If the stress is extreme, it may trigger an adrenaline rush.

It is also possible for a dream to trigger a fight-or-flight response.

The primary causes of an adrenaline rush are:

  • a threat
  • stress
  • excitement

Anxiety and stress can cause a more frequent release of adrenaline into the body.

Other causes include the following:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can affect people who have had a traumatic experience, such as combat or sexual assault. People who have PTSD may experience an adrenaline rush when thinking about their stress or trauma from the past.

This is sometimes known as hyperarousal. It can cause concentration problems, jitteriness, difficulty sleeping, constant alertness to possible danger, and irritability.

Tumors

Sometimes, a tumor can cause the body to create too much adrenaline. This can occur when the tumor is on the adrenal glands, called a pheochromocytoma, or in part of the nervous system other than the brain, known as a paraganglioma.

Both of these types of tumors are very rare, but they may cause a person to experience an adrenaline rush at random. This might feel similar to a panic attack.

An adrenaline rush can be an uncomfortable experience for some people. It will sometimes happen at an inconvenient time.

Some steps can control a person’s reaction to an adrenaline release.

  • Slowing one’s breathing or breathing into a paper bag: This can balance the oxygen supply to the body and help reduce feelings of dizziness. It may also help a person feel calmer and more in control.
  • Exercise: Exercise, such as yoga, may relieve stress and anxiety by distracting someone from the stimulus.
  • Getting fresh air and space: Walking around the block or stepping outside may help control an adrenaline rush.
  • Choosing and repeating one specific calming word or picture: Picturing a relaxing image or repeating a word is another method that may help reduce stress and distract from the body’s reaction to adrenaline.

These techniques can help calm the body and mind and may lessen the immediate effects of an adrenaline rush.

Over time, high adrenaline levels in the body may cause health problems. According to the Endocrine Society, a person producing too much adrenaline may experience:

If people are experiencing frequent adrenaline rushes, they should consider talking with a doctor, as these may affect health in the long term or be a sign of an underlying condition.

If an adrenaline rush occurs as a result of stress or anxiety, a doctor should be able to offer advice or treatment. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy.

Getting support from others, addressing the underlying cause of stress, sleeping well, and exercising regularly may all help.