Is Stress Addictive? Understanding the Stress Hormones
Stress stimulates numerous hormonal responses to help the body act in a perceived state of danger or increased stress level. Although the hormone release is helpful and generally returns to normal after the stressors are eliminated, having high levels of these hormones for an extended period can cause a “stress addiction” or “adrenaline addiction.”
Key takeaways:
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to difficult situations. The “fight or flight” response is how the body manages stressors.
Cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine are stress-related hormones. They play an important role in how the body reacts and responds to stressors.
Stress hormones can be addictive, as those in chronically stressful situations may seek out stressful situations as they are comfortable in a state of heightened stress hormone levels.
There are many reasons to reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being. Chronic stress can lead to increased heart disease — only one of many other health concerns.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural human reaction to worry or mental tension due to difficult situations. It prompts the “fight or flight” response to react or respond to stressors. It is a normal and healthy coping mechanism. However, it can lead to mental and physical complications if left in a heightened state for too long.
Stress produced hormones
Three main hormones are at play when the body is in a state of stress: cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These hormones are known as the “fight or flight” hormones because they prepare the body for danger or a threat:
Cortisol. The adrenal gland releases this hormone and directly responds to stress. It can help the body regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and the immune system when stress is triggered. Cortisol also helps with metabolism.
Epinephrine. This hormone, also called adrenaline, is released by the adrenal glands and responds to stress or danger. It will increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate and prepare the body for physical activity, or the “flight” response.
Norepinephrine. Lastly, this hormone is also released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. This hormone will increase heart, blood, and breathing rates as the body responds to stress.
Are stress hormones addictive?
Some people may seek out stressful situations, circumstances, or patterns to increase the adrenaline level in their bodies to maintain a level of “excitement.” This is considered a “stress, or adrenaline-like addiction.” However, it is not considered a formal diagnosis. Many studies have noted it is common in today's society due to high-stress jobs and circumstances.
Epinephrine, cortisol, and norepinephrine produce an excitement-like response that some people can become dependent on if they’re used to this feeling of heightened anxiety. Sometimes called “adrenaline junkies,” some find putting their physical well-being in a state of stress, such as high-risk sports, can cause an increase in epinephrine levels that help them feel a sense of comfort.
Over time, chronic exposure to high-stress levels can negatively impact the person’s physical and mental health and cause burnout at work or many other health concerns.
Stress addiction manifests itself in various behaviors, including the following:
Thrill-seeking. Such as extreme sports and high-risk activities.
Workaholism. Working more than necessary or not taking breaks, and purposely being overwhelmed by the amount of work.
Relationship drama. Seeking out poor relationships or causing tension or stress in a current relationship.
Procrastination. Leaving work or assignments until the last minute to feel the pressure of meeting deadlines.
Substance abuse. Some individuals may become addicted to substances to feel the release of adrenaline during a high.
Complications of prolonged stress
Prolonged stress can cause a wide range of negative health effects and also cause a negative reaction to mental well-being:
Increased risk of heart disease. The stress response increases blood pressure and, if left untreated, can cause heightened blood pressure for a prolonged period. This can cause an increased risk of heart disease.
Digestive health issues. Stress causes various digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It is even linked to health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Weakened immune system. Chronic stress can cause the body to have a weakened immune system, leading to the body's inability to fight off infections.
Mental health concerns. A prolonged increase in stress hormones can cause mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and increase the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
Sleep issues and disturbances. Stress can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to more stress, fatigue, and other sleep-related health problems.
Memory problems. Chronic stress can cause memory problems, and studies show that a prolonged increase in stress hormones can even inhibit the ability to learn and retain information.
Chronic pain. Stress can exacerbate chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and back pain, and even increase migraine symptoms.
How to limit stress addiction
Everyone faces stress, a natural result of fear or an overwhelming situation. However, ways and techniques exist to help curb and manage stress addiction.
Stress management
There are many wants to manage stress. Some find meditation helpful or sitting in self-reflection in small, blocked-off times during the day; others find meaning in speaking to a professional psychotherapist or counselor helpful. Finding the best way to manage stress is unique to each individual.
Daily routine
Having a regular daily routine can help manage stress by allowing people to feel in control of their daily activities, such as meals, work assignments, and activities. This can help manage time more efficiently and leave people in control of their lives.
Plenty of quality sleep
Sleep is an adaptive response to help the body align and reset each night. Sleep has also been shown to reverse the effects of stress. It is arguably one of the most critical factors in overall stress reduction. It can be achieved by setting regular bedtimes, limiting TV before bed, and having a dark and quiet sleeping area.
Friends and family
Connecting with others has been shown to decrease stress and leave people in a better, more easy-going mood.
A healthy, balanced diet
What we eat and drink directly affects the way we feel. Therefore, consuming a wide range of healthy, non-processed foods positively impacts overall health and helps lower stress levels.
Exercise regularly
Although physical activity can also increase stress hormones, it can also help balance and reduce stress levels. Going for a walk or including cardio in a regular exercise routine can have numerous health benefits on mental well-being.
Limit news and social media
Though social media and news can be challenging to avoid altogether, it’s important to decrease exposure to help manage stress. Sad or disturbing news stories can increase stress and anxiety.
Although stress addiction is not a formal diagnosis, if you are in a constant state of stress or seeking out stressful behavior, speaking to a medical healthcare professional, such as a psychotherapist, could be beneficial. They can help you navigate productive and useful ways to limit stress and manage your relationship with stress hormones.
Resources:
World Health Organization. Stress.
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. Stress & sleep: A relationship lasting a lifetime.
The Biochemist. Adrenaline junkies: Addicted to the rush?
