Livin’ on the Edge: Stories of ADHD Adrenaline Rushes

ADHD is often tied to sensation-seeking, risk-taking, and impulsive behaviors. For some individuals with the condition, living a fulfilled life means seeking out and throwing yourself into thrilling, adrenaline-filled experiences. Others lean toward safer activities that promote calm.

Why do some individuals with ADHD gravitate to the wild side — while others avoid it at all costs? We asked ADDitude readers, who told us what gives them the ultimate highs.

“I was an avid whitewater kayaker, SCUBA diver, and solo backpacker. I once visited Myanmar despite a travel advisory warning. Only after I received my ADHD diagnosis did I understand why I was drawn to these things.” — Jennifer, Canada

“There is no reason I should be still alive. I’ve taken risks that make me shudder — free rock climbing, fire-fighting and rescue, racing cars and sailboats, etc. I have had many broken bones, surgeries, and torn and strained body parts related to past experiences. My risky behaviors are hard on my wife, but I would never give up the life I have had.” — Paul, California

“Piercings, tattoos, driving fast, riding motorcycles, long-distance ocean swimming — I’m always the friend doing something wild.” — Charlie, Australia

“I sometimes take risks that I know I should not for safety reasons, but it feels so good.” — AJ, Virginia

Other ADDitude readers find fulfillment through low-risk experiences that promote mindfulness and recharge ADHD brains, or steer clear of risky business for other reasons.

“I play it safe all the way. Living with a racing brain and high-strung body is all the adrenaline I need.”— Carey, Canada

“Novelty-seeking? Yes, absolutely. Reckless risk-seeker? Never.” — Maria, U.K.

“I don’t take risks due to feeling an intense embarrassment whenever I’m not successful, which is only heightened by my RSD and low self-esteem.” — I.K., Australia

“Thank goodness my body isn’t able to do what it used to. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to experience flying down a steep hill on my bike with my hands in the air or diving off the high dive or a cliff and splashing into the water again.” — Vickie

Read on to learn more about which risky behaviors deliver ADDitude readers the biggest dopamine boost and what activities they seek to decompress.

1. Skydiving

“In my youth, I became an instructor for the Air Cadets so I could go flying, gliding, and firing rifles.”—Lynda, U.K.

“I’m a flight paramedic, so I combine flying in a helicopter with emergency medicine. I love it, and I’m extremely good at it.”— An ADDitude Reader, Colorado

“I joined a skydiving club.” —Nathan, U.K.

“I used to be a helicopter pilot and flew in the most dangerous of conditions.” — Gabe, Florida

[Read: Never Enough? Why ADHD Brains Crave Stimulation]

2. Solo backbacker

“When I get to engage in an adrenaline-filled experience, I take it. For instance, I once jumped off a 40-foot cliff into a lagoon on a guided tour in the Dominican Republic.” — Daneesha, Canada

“I like adventure. I am moving from the time I wake up until the time I lay my head down at night.” —BHerm, Illinois

“I like to travel alone. Once, I backpacked through the Middle East without a phone.” — SM

“Fortunately, my wife and I work in many countries worldwide. I need the constant novel stimulus of waking up in and exploring new places.” —Todd, Thailand

[Free Download: Master Packing List for Adults with ADHD]

3. Touching

“As a woman with ADHD, I am not necessarily an adrenaline chaser, but I do seek sensation through sex, foods, and wines. I seek intellectual stimulation by visiting new museums and new cities.” — Sarah, Massachusetts

“I typically live on the very safe side of things. But I do seek sensations, whether through massage, back-scratching, or arm tickling.” — Doug, Utah

"I move my body a lot, pick my fingers, and am always craving nice textures to touch.” — AJ, Canada

“I am sensory-seeking for proprioceptive and deep pressure input. I sleep with a weighted blanket, am constantly seeking touch and/or input from pressure at work, and use stim and fidget toys.” — Lindsey, Indiana

[Free Download: Sensory Issues — Triggers, Symptoms, & Types of SPD]

4. Shopping

“I love the dopamine drive of purchasing something online, but when I receive the package, it will take me days, sometimes even weeks, to open and use whatever I bought. Often, I’ve waited so long to try something on or use an item that I’ve passed the return window and can’t even exchange a defective or ill-fitting purchase.” — Heather, Utah

“I can be an impulsive decision-maker when making important life decisions involving purchases. I feel very excited and adrenaline-driven when shopping or giving to others.” — An ADDitude reader, Ohio

“I ‘window shop’ online, meaning I fill my shopping cart with items, but I don’t actually buy any of the stuff.” — Rebecca, Maryland

“I am a bit of a risk-taker regarding my finances. I’ve taken trips I couldn’t really afford that didn't have much of an organized itinerary. Or I’ve impulsively bought things on credit that I didn’t need. My diagnosis and medication help me rein these harmful behaviors and be more level-headed, but it’s still a struggle sometimes.” — Helen, Arizona

[Read: Neurotypical Budgeting Tips Don't Work for ADHD Brains. These Do.]

5. Sports

“Even pushing 60 years old, I love the thrill of mountain biking. It keeps my attention focused and a big smile on my face. My friends are dropping out from injuries and aging, but I hope to keep going as long as possible.” — Karen, Massachusetts

“I love any adrenaline sport. As I have gotten older and have had kids, most of my thrills come from skiing or hiking.” — A.Z.

“I’ve always loved sports. I’ve skied without lessons, cliff-jumped, water-skied, and river-rafted. I plan vacations around doing something active.” — Michelle, Arizona

“Playing basketball is my personal meditation time. I think it's a combination of playing a sport I have loved since I was in the 4^th grade (I’m now 41), the movement and exercise, and the bilateral stimulation from the back-and-forth dribbling. It’s the perfect way to center myself when I’m in a funk.” — Angie, New York

“Ice skating soothes my soul and clears my head. I am basically self-taught, so the figure skaters always look at me like, ‘Who is this old broad skating in circles?’ but the cold air, smooth ice, and everything about it is my happy space.” — Beth, Colorado

“Any exercise or sport helps; jumping in cold water and out again seems to reset my body.” — Ally, Australia

[Read: “We Are All Running from Something” Marathoner Molly Seidel On ADHD & Self-Care]

6. Speeding

“Motorcycle riding made a big difference in my life. I love the challenge of balance, multiple foot and hand controls, and highway speeds and mountain curves. It keeps me focused and able to get through a work week.” — An ADDitude reader, Ohio

“I love thrill-seeking activities, like sky diving, rope courses, and roller coasters. The best high I ever felt in my life was riding go-carts where I didn’t have to get off and just went round and round as fast as I could.” — Lisa, Connecticut

“My primary source of adrenaline is high-speed driving. Before being diagnosed with ADHD, this got me in significant trouble. With the proper meds and regular counseling, I still seek the rush of driving fast, but I can control it and avoid endangering myself or others and encounters with law enforcement.” — Nora, Oregon

“I am always speeding, and I seek out rollercoasters, skydiving, and bungee jumping.” — An ADDitude Reader

[Self-Test: Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptom Test for Adults]

Reflections on Impulsivity

“I have made some very drastic changes in my life without really thinking about the consequences. They usually turned out OK, although others probably wouldn’t agree.” — Sue, U.K.

“I would move to another country next month if given the opportunity. I would start a business if funds were available. I’m desperate to be spontaneous, but now I consider my husband and children first. Still, the pull is deeply there.” — Shawnnita, Australia

 “I have left jobs on a whim to start something new.” — An ADDitude reader, U.K.

“I often agree to things without fully knowing what I’m getting into. I also love to travel on the spur of the moment.” — Danielle, Minnesota

 “I steal stupid little things like make-up samples. I am a single mom, and I know what would happen if I got caught, but I can’t stop!” — Lisa, Ireland

“I used to try to stay awake as long as possible (for days at a time). I always wanted to be out doing things. I wanted to feel ‘alive.’” — An ADDitude Reader

“I have had risky behaviors since I can remember, from being sexually active by age 12, smoking and experimenting with pot, going too fast on bikes, joy riding, hanging out with ‘bad’ kids, toxic boyfriends, the list goes on and on.” — Carolyn, Canada

[Get This Free Download: Get Control of Your Life ]