Why is Running Addictive? The Runner's High

Running is with out a doubt, addictive. Many individuals rely on running to maintain a normal mood state. Anytime running is taken away due to injury, schedule conflicts, etc, it can cause withdrawals. When running is completed, these individuals can feel a sense of euphoria and contentment. Running can be like any other addictive behavior in that is causes dependency, withdrawal, and tolerance.

Since running has mood regulating properties, it is known to be addictive. Of course running has a lot more positive than negative effects when it comes to addiction because of it's numerous beneficial effects on overall health, but it can still cause dependence and psychological issues such as nervousness, depression, and anger.

What actually causes running to be addictive? One explanation is the "Runner's High" you get from a great run. Running has addictive properties because of the substantial levels of endogenous opiates, opium like compounds that can be synthesized and released by nerve cells with in the brain. This typically occurs during intense or prolonged running workouts. This can be psychologically satisfying  because it stimulates reward pathways in the brain giving you a sense of "Runner's High".

The release of catecholamine's (adrenaline and noradrenaline) can also be triggered through running resulting in a stimulating and pleasantly arousing effect on the nervous system and various physiological functions.

Dopaminergic brain areas (parts of the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate mood) can also be stimulated through an intense running workout. This can have a significantly positive impact on emotional state.

An individual's endorphin response can vary depending on the type of workout they are doing. Some individuals get a greater response from shorter, intense workouts and others may produce a greater response from longer duration running workouts. Some research has shown that a runner's best event is the one that produces the most endorphin release and is practiced the most.

Makes sense though right? Who doesn't want to feel good? Running is seen as a positive addictive when it comes to producing great health benefits and also developing rewarding and productive social and professional life benefits. It can also prevent issues such as unhappiness and depression. As long as you enjoy the positive benefits of running and don't let the negative aspects of running consume your life, keep on running!

If running currently isn't a favorite activity of yours, it is time to try it out! Better yet, with New Years just a couple days away, sign up for a race for 2014! Throw on your running shoes and start training! Become apart of a positive addiction that can run you in the right direction.

Please feel free to post your comments or email me with questions!!



Happy Runner's High Running :)