Many young people get a thrill from testing their limits—sometimes in very risky ways. They are known by various terms: adrenaline junkies, sensation seekers, adventure, or thrill seekers. They enjoy things like skydiving, extreme sports, or potentially dangerous lines of work, such as firefighting or emergency rescue. Are you tempted to join in? If so, this article can help you.
What you should know:
Thrill-seeking can become an addiction.
It might give you a short-term high but leave you craving more incredible excitement. The thrill and excitement will make you want to do it again. It is known as adrenaline addiction: It may be what drives some thrill-seekers to participate in dangerous activities. People with an Adrenaline addiction may engage in dangerous adventures or risky behavior without regard for the physical, mental, social, financial, or legal consequences. Because adrenaline provides such an elevated physical state, it may be pleasurable for some people who enjoy the feeling of power and excitement that they experience while under the effects of adrenaline. Some may try to share it regularly. If a person becomes addicted to adrenaline, they may find that the addiction takes over all areas of their life.
Peer pressure can make you ignore common sense.
Many people engage in dangerous activities because of peer pressure. They may compulsively desire to please their friends or to fit in among a group of kids. This has led many young people to get involved in dangerous adventures without considering the dangers. The Internet, too, is used by some to create a form of peer pressure by praising thrill-seekers and downplaying the risks. Some dares posted on social media go viral, giving thrill-seekers recognition and attention.
For example, some popular videos depict parkour. This activity involves traversing obstacles such as walls, houses, and stairs by running, climbing, or jumping rapidly and efficiently without any safety equipment. This could lead you to conclude that the risks are minimal because everyone is doing it. The result: You may be tempted to try out activities that involve life-threatening risks.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Weigh the risks
Before you consider engaging in a particular activity, know the risks involved. Ask yourself, ‘Does this activity amount to little more than a gamble with death or serious injury?’ Do not dive headfirst into something that will take your life. That won’t be smart.
Choose friends who show respect for life.
Some people are not worth being your friends. Simple. True friends will not encourage you to take risks or try to talk you into doing something you feel uncomfortable about. A true friend will make sure you are protected and safe. If you have friends who live dangerously, you might need to stay away from them.
Enjoy your skills without risking your life.
Part of growing up is learning to establish one’s principles and boundaries. Then, you can test your limits in a safe environment, using appropriate safety equipment and precautions. Risk is not worth it. There are other things you could do that are exciting.
Build Genuine Self-Sespect
People will respect you for how skillfully you master real-life challenges, not for what you dare to do for a thrill. Rather than take unnecessary risks by thrill-seeking, show good judgment about your choice of recreation.
If a person’s risk-taking behavior gets out of control, they should speak with a medical professional. People should seek help if their risk-taking is putting their health and well-being in danger, causing distress or causing the person not to fulfill their work, home, or other responsibilities.
