Endorphin
Endorphins
Endorphins are a group of ten neurotransmitters that activate opiate receptors. Endorphins are composed of chains of amino acids between five and several dozen members long (Hollt, 1983). Since the discovery of the endorphins in 1975, scientists have hypothesized that these neurotransmitters are released into synapses when the body encounters stress. After a physical injury, endorphins activate opiate receptors and produce an analgesic effect, alleviating severe pain. During times of emotional stress, endorphins are released in the limbic system of the brain and produce a euphoria that lessens anxiety and melancholy (Rang et al., 1995).
Recently, scienctists have hypothesized that the release of endorphins is the neurochemical cause for the feeling of pleasure. For example, a marathon runner's "high," which has been compared to the "rush" following opioid use, is the product of endorphin release (Hawkes, 1992).
Unlike opioids, the body's endorphins are not addicting. When endorphins are not activating receptors, no withdrawal symptoms are felt. Enzymes break down endorphins as soon as they act at receptors, so they are never in contact with receptors long enough to form tolerance or dependency. Researchers have been unable to produce drugs that are rapidly broken down by the body's enzymes, but still produce strong analgesia (Snyder, 1996).
During BDSM sessions or scenes, the bottom or masochist receives a fair amount of pain, based upon pre-negotiated limits. These "fight or flight" sensations cause the human body to release endorphins into the body.
Once the session (or scene) in finished, the bottoms body undergoes a form of "opiod withdrawal" called Sub-drop which requires aftercare on the part of the top.
Adrenaline
Adreneline is a vasocontstrictor which causes the narrowing of the lumena of blood vessels and usually results in an increase in blood pressure.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the recommended first line treatment for patients with anaphylaxis. This review discusses the safety and efficacy of adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis in the light of currently available evidence. A pragmatic approach to use of adrenaline auto-injectors is suggested. Adrenaline junkie is a colloquialism used to describe somebody who appears addicted to the effects of adrenaline. Adrenaline in this case comes from an endogenous source (i.e. the adrenal gland) and does not imply the use of exogenous adrenaline (e.g. injection).
"Adrenaline Junkies"
The term came into use in 1993. Originally, it was used to describe argumentative people who deliberately (consciously or unconsciously) find excuses to explode in order to get an adrenaline fix. After the adrenaline rush wears off, they become agitated, which causes them to seek another reason to explode to get another fix. This mode of receiving a fix is deemed just as addictive as a synthetic drug (such as cocaine), but perhaps more harmful as it negatively involves other people.
This same phrase is used to describe a class of people who go out of their way to expose themselves to dangerous sports so they can get theie "adreneline fix". Some of these sports include (but not limited to): race car driving, BASE jumping, freebording, snowboarding, skydiving, surfing, bungee jumping, freebording, mountain climbing, and riding roller coasters. In BDSM, Adreneline junkies will try to push their own limits using edgeplay activities. By indulging in masochistsic activities, they get an adreneline fix.
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