Facts About Adrenaline

Years ago I was diagnosed with complete adrenal failure. Apparently, due to my driven nature, I literally ran my adrenal glands dry. The little glands, located above your kidneys are about the size of grapes. They produce cortisol and help control energy levels in the body. After blood work and saliva tests, we figured out that mine were dry! They had stopped producing these chemicals. So this is why I was feeling tired so often! This is why I was so busy-natured and "energizer bunny" nonstop action. So I was doing some research about addictions, and up popped Adrenaline Addiction. I had no idea what it was- but just wanted to share!

Did you know that Adrenaline can be an addiction? It manifests in excessive television, internet usage, shopping, arguing etc. The adrenal glands were designed for emergencies only!! None of this long-term usage that we get caught up in.

Adrenal glands produce cortisol: adrenaline affects the heart; cortisol affects the brain. Stress is the root of all adrenaline addiction. There are emotional consequences to adrenaline addiction and people often experience physical consequences. The underlying cause for adrenaline addiction are:

• The need to numb painful feelings
• Crisis of meaninglessness
• Crisis of purposelessness

The symptoms of adrenaline addiction include obsessing over things left undone, feelings of guilt when idle, strong compulsion to be doing something all the time. People should face emotions directly because this can confront the underlying issues inside of adrenaline addiction.

Recovery:

People recovering from adrenaline addiction will often have important changes to make. According to Dr. Hart, worship and relaxation should offer peacefulness. Try to:

• Manage adrenaline
• Pay attention to physical symptoms of stress: sleep issues, depression, fatigue, restlessness

Some important changes to make when dealing with adrenaline addiction:

• Lifestyle changes
• Personality changes
• Enhance peacefulness
• Incorporate healthy physical changes
• Disengagement strategies
• Anger Control

Practical Suggestions include:

• Face emotions directly
• Learn to live within limits
• Create healthy boundaries
• Allow yourself to slow down: It's ok to rest!

Resources: Addiction and Recovery. Dr. Archibald Hart. Light University.