Does fear and/or adrenaline cause arousal for you?

[DrHappy]

Does anyone here associate fear with arousal? I posted a similar question to the How To forum and someone suggested that I check with this forum. When I say “fear”, I am referring to anything which may cause an adrenaline rush. This could be any form of fear, excitement, anxiety, stress, humiliation, or possibly pain. This could be induced by a fantasizing about an act or by actually carrying out an act that is near or beyond one’s comfort zone. "Fear" may not be the best word. I'll welcome any suggestions, adjustments, or corrections to my working hypothesis. I don't think it's helpful to say that "excitement" induces arousal, because excitement is too close to being arousal. It's almost like saying arousal causes arousal

My theory is that adrenaline (or a related physiological response) may trigger arousal by triggering the release of brain chemicals associated with arousal, such as oxytocin or PEA. Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the “cuddle” hormone and is normally released during arousal and especially at orgasm. In the Prairie Vole, oxytocin released into the brain of the female during sexual activity is important for forming a monogamous pair bond with her sexual partner. PEA is sometimes referred to as the “love” chemical and is related to amphetamine.

I have heard about “adrenaline junkies” who are repeatedly doing things like ski diving or BASE jumping in order to keep getting an adrenaline fix, though these examples are typically non-sexual. However, I read an account of a woman who recently discovered that she gets incredibly aroused from smoking. There are a few factors which make her story more interesting: she is normally a non-smoker, her family experienced a smoking related death in her childhood, and her sex drive is normally very low. I’m wondering whether a fear-adrenaline reaction may be responsible.

I have read various books which try to explain various sexual behaviors with a complex psychological explanation. Exhibitionism, voyeurism, BDSM, role playing, etc… can all supposedly be explained by fulfilling a psychological need. However, I’ve thought that an adrenaline-induced arousal trigger may be a simpler explanation for many behaviors. For example, the thrill of exhibitionism might trigger adrenaline and thus arousal for some people. A strong feminist woman may be aroused by fantasies of being belittled and raped. The adrenaline explanation seems simpler. I’ve noticed that the fantasies and sexual behavior that push my comfort levels are the ones that tend arouse me the most.

Maybe a key element is that this can occur when the logical part of the brain conflicts with an emotional part of the brain. A woman may be turned on when her trusted lover playfully, though aggressively forces himself upon her. She logically knows that she safe and allows him to proceed, though her emotions may also trigger a response of fear which induces excitement. A real rapist would not be arousing. A person might enjoy bondage with a trusted lover, though a person unfamiliar with bondage would likely not enjoy being tied up during their first sexual encounter with a new lover.

Again, this is a working hypothesis and I'll welcome any suggestions. I haven't been satisfied with the books that I've read that offer purely psychological explanations for these wonderful and sometimes troubling experiences. I enjoy thinking about these things and trying to figure them out.

 

[graceanne]

Ok, I just going from what I've seen and what I know about myself. I've heard, and it makes sense, that 'subspace' is from an andrenaline rush - a high. I know that I crave that high, and I know I'm not the only one here who does. To tell the truth I'm craving it right now, lol. I don't necessarily get an adrenaline rush from domination, though. But then, I'm not a rabid feminist. I don't really consider myself a feminist at all - but that's partly cause of the conectations I put with that title. Domination just feels right to me, like that's the way it's supposed to be. It makes me feel loved, feminine, and protected. The only time domination turns me on is during sex.

 

[CutieMouse]

I only skimmed what you wrote (apologies, I'm a bit more scattered than usual, today), but I *think* the body is flooded with the hormone oxytocin, as part of the fight or flight response to danger/fear/etc. Oxytocin is the same hormone that is released during labor, and during orgasm. For some people, the reaction to fear/arousal may get linked at some point, which creates a psychological tick that would get more solidly reinforced every time the oxytocin rush hits. Does that make any sense at all?

 

[Quint]

...........

 

[Netzach]

What about the proximity of fight/fuck in males? And some others among us. Nothing gets me going like a good argument and winning it. Or days I've really cashed in at work. I've always in my amateur understanding ascribed the "cuddle hormone" to the sub high and adrenal burst to the dom/top high. Chemically I think they're separate joneses.

 

[ecstaticsub]

Fear of the unknown when I am with someone I trust causes arousal, fear--really being afraid makes me cold. I don't know why, just the way it is.

 

[pandoravampire]

fear and arousal? good havens surely not

For me i would not say i have substitued fear with arousal. No pavlovian response out of context yet anyhow.

But i adore fear in play. The mindfuck element of play, has me as its slave for ever lol. I just love the head stuff, of which fear is a part.
I love knife play for that very reason. I KNOW im not being disembowled as the frozen blade takes off the wax. Fuck, i can see im not being cut. But every nerve ending in my body is screaming at me, that im cut and bleeding! Fear is my response. And he ups it a notch, tweaks it a little, pushing me closer to that fear edge. I love it.
To see that look of fear come across his face, as he is uncertain of 'how far' ill go. Awesome also. But important to be driven toward fear, not driven by it. Which is a very unhealthy state. And one you should always leave perhaps.

Or being taken out in the dark, for what seemed like miles, of stumbling in the dark across bushland. Im frightened of snakes and spiders, this IS austrlia goddammit! And being thrown into the burrow of ? and raped (consentually). Again, fear. But i would not of removed my blindfold if you'd paid me to. I like my play that way.

I think if you like fear in your play, that you too, are driven toward it, and sometimes by it. The trick is to recognise the two states of being, and manage them wisely.

Added: fear has to be a role play. Im not into legitamate fear.
and i dont cum when i get genuinely scared. I freak out, just like other folk
pandoravampire

 

[neonflux]

For me, I say yes to both adrenalin and fear (causing and feeling) being linked to arousal. I think it is largely a chemical response, rather than due to deep psychological issues. I also think it is linked to basic drives. A number of biologists now contend that the drive for altered states of consciousness is not confined to humans but also present in other mammals. BDSM activities can lead to such altered states, I am sure due to the chemical processes you wrote of... Neon

 

[Life_Noir]

Nope...Neither does anger...

Though the "let down" from almost getting my silly ass killed... Makes me horny as hell...

 

[nh23]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!

 

[DrHappy]

Thank you for all of the thoughtful and insightful responses!

... I've heard, and it makes sense, that 'subspace' is from an andrenaline rush - a high.... I don't necessarily get an adrenaline rush from domination, though.

Graceanne, I had never heard of "subspace" or "topspace". That's given me some new topics to investigate.

... while I wouldn't classify it as arousal in the "oh my god I'm so wet" sort of way, fear (with notable exceptions) makes me want to fuck. I think it's the missing "f" in "fight or flight." To me, sex is both an outlet of the adrenaline as previously mentioned and a way of conquering (or perhaps "redirecting" is a more accurate word) the fear by turning it to a more comfortable, understandable subject.

Quint, I think that I know what you mean. There are certain favorite scary and exciting experiences of mine with my wife (sex in a park, getting a blowjob outdoors, sex in the ocean on our honeymoon, being tied up) that make me feel very cuddly when I think about them. I get aroused, but I also get a rush of feeling very in love with her. They were very scary at the time, though the "love" feelings may now actually be stronger than the sexual arousal when I think about the events. I guess that they aren't as scary to think about in the past.... I know how it turns out. We didn't get caught, so I guess that they don't seem scary to think about anymore (no more adrenaline rush). These love feelings are consistent with what I've read are the effects of oxytocin.

 

[DrHappy]

What about the proximity of fight/fuck in males? And some others among us. Nothing gets me going like a good argument and winning it. Or days I've really cashed in at work. I've always in my amateur understanding ascribed the "cuddle hormone" to the sub high and adrenal burst to the dom/top high. Chemically I think they're separate joneses.

Netzach, arguments supposedly cause people to release adrenaline, so it would make sense that they could get you started. Another hormone to consider is Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is supposed to cause feelings of love and arousal.

Fear of the unknown when I am with someone I trust causes arousal, fear--really being afraid makes me cold. I don't know why, just the way it is.

Ecstaticsub, this reminds me of watching a scary movie. I can be terrified even though I realize that I'm only watching actors in a move studio. Maybe it's the logical part of the brain getting out of sync with the emotional side. Having a trusted lover scare you is fun (like watching a movie), while really being afraid isn't. I think that there is something important with this concept.

 

[DrHappy]

...I just love the head stuff, of which fear is a part. I love knife play for that very reason. I KNOW im not being disembowled as the frozen blade takes off the wax. Fuck, i can see im not being cut. But every nerve ending in my body is screaming at me, that im cut and bleeding! Fear is my response. And he ups it a notch, tweaks it a little, pushing me closer to that fear edge. I love it.

... Or being taken out in the dark, for what seemed like miles, of stumbling in the dark across bushland. Im frightened of snakes and spiders, this IS austrlia goddammit! And being thrown into the burrow of ? and raped (consentually). Again, fear. But i would not of removed my blindfold if you'd paid me to. I like my play that way.

...Added: fear has to be a role play. Im not into legitamate fear.
and i dont cum when i get genuinely scared. I freak out, just like other folk

Holy crap, I hadn't heard of knife play! There's nothing like a dramatic example to make a point! There definitely seems to be some parallels between role play and watching an exciting or scary movie. (see previous post). We know that they are not real in both cases, though we have an emotional response anyway. The logical part of the brain seems to control some different chemicals than the emotion part of the brain. Keeping the logical part of the brain at ease while stressing the emotional part appears to do some interesting things.

 

[myinnerslut]

does the fear arouse me? no.



the arousing part is being saved from the fear. being protected from it. being pushed carefully closer and closer to the adge but being held back so i wont fall. the arouse part is knowiing im helpless or dependent on A to save/rescue me from the fear. mixed in with the arousal is gratitude and a desire to please him in return for his part in things.

 

[NotsoJollyRoger]

Fuk ya. I luv da fear in her eye as I do whatva da fuk I want

 

[Netzach]

Netzach, arguments supposedly cause people to release adrenaline, so it would make sense that they could get you started. Another hormone to consider is Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is supposed to cause feelings of love and arousal.

Ecstaticsub, this reminds me of watching a scary movie. I can be terrified even though I realize that I'm only watching actors in a move studio. Maybe it's the logical part of the brain getting out of sync with the emotional side. Having a trusted lover scare you is fun (like watching a movie), while really being afraid isn't. I think that there is something important with this concept.

Since I've played to both sides of the equation at different times in my life I noticed very different physical aftereffects. After a scene in which I was acted upon I was chatty, "up" and ravenously hungry for anything I could get my hands on. After a scene in which I am acting upon I am wiped clean, sated, tired, want caffeine badly. Do you think it's possible that there's a different brain cocktail released depending which side of the coin you're on?

 

[Sniper 1]

I only skimmed what you wrote (apologies, I'm a bit more scattered than usual, today), but I *think* the body is flooded with the hormone oxytocin, as part of the fight or flight response to danger/fear/etc. Oxytocin is the same hormone that is released during labor, and during orgasm. For some people, the reaction to fear/arousal may get linked at some point, which creates a psychological tick that would get more solidly reinforced every time the oxytocin rush hits. Does that make any sense at all?

You just explained something I've been a little confused about my entire life. Twice when I was a young boy I was faced with a situation that was terrifying, at least for me. One time I thought I had missed my school bus, and in the other my teacher had given me a failing grade (by mistake thank goodness). In both cases during that initial wave of sheer terror I experienced a dry orgasm. I've often wondered from time to time about those two experiences. I know this sounds wierd but thank you very much for answering a question I've had for many years.

 

[ecstaticsub]

Since I've played to both sides of the equation at different times in my life I noticed very different physical aftereffects. After a scene in which I was acted upon I was chatty, "up" and ravenously hungry for anything I could get my hands on. After a scene in which I am acting upon I am wiped clean, sated, tired, want caffeine badly. Do you think it's possible that there's a different brain cocktail released depending which side of the coin you're on?

I have been out of pharmacy school for over 20 years now but this questions makes me think of the role of GABA receptors. Is there any differences in feelings of anxiety between the two sides of play? (I've never topped so I can't answer this question for myself)

 

[Netzach]

I have been out of pharmacy school for over 20 years now but this questions makes me think of the role of GABA receptors. Is there any differences in feelings of anxiety between the two sides of play? (I've never topped so I can't answer this question for myself)

I guess the anxiety has two different locii. If you are the bottom it might be "I hope this feels like I want it to, I hope I don't let my top down, I hope this hurts fun and not un-fun" whereas if you are the top it's more like getting ready to take your drivers' test every night or go on stage - do you have what you need? Have you forgotten anything? Are the surroundings OK?

 

[DrHappy]

After a scene in which I was I was chatty, "up" and ravenously hungry for anything I could get my hands on. After a scene in which I am acting upon I am wiped clean, sated, tired, want caffeine badly. Do you think it's possible that there's a different brain cocktail released depending which side of the coin you're on?

Netzach, I've read other accounts of this as well, so it seems likely.

 

[DrHappy]

... I *think* the body is flooded with the hormone oxytocin, as part of the fight or flight response to danger/fear/etc. Oxytocin is the same hormone that is released during labor, and during orgasm. For some people, the reaction to fear/arousal may get linked at some point, which creates a psychological tick that would get more solidly reinforced every time the oxytocin rush hits

Actually, adrenaline is responsible for the fight or flight response to danger/fear/etc. At least this is the classic explanation according to the text books. What is interesting is that oxytocin release also seems to be induced by fear and/or adrenaline in some people in some circumstances.

 

[DrHappy]

I have been out of pharmacy school for over 20 years now but this questions makes me think of the role of GABA receptors.

I'm sure that GABA plays a role as well, but that doesn't tell us much. The whole brain is flooded with GABA and GABA receptors, so it's almost like saying electricity affects the way a computer operates. The hormones and neurotransmitters tend to act on targeted parts of the brain.

Is there any differences in feelings of anxiety between the two sides of play? (I've never topped so I can't answer this question for myself)

I'm curious about this as well.

 

[SweetErika]

I'm not sure about the chemical side, but I think fear and/or adrenaline trigger arousal in many. In the weeks and months following 9/11, I recall hearing reports of people having a lot more sex; psychologists and sociologists were theorizing the increase was due to the change we experience with fear and other emotions. I'd imagine you could probably find studies on increased arousal or sex people experience after disasters and other fear-inducing events if you wanted.

I think part of it for me is that fear (or other strong emotions) nd adrenaline really trigger the realization that I'm alive, and that goes hand-in-hand with arousal/sex. On the flip side, the kind of apathy that comes from being worn out or depressed makes me feel deadened, and less likely to feel aroused.

 

[Ebonyfire]

There are submissives who find that some fear is erotic. It is what I call "good fear" opposed to "life or death fear".

I personally find their fear interesting, but not erotic.

 

[Puman]

interesting

What a gr8 thread. This answers alot of questions about myself and my search. The very reason I came looking for info on BDSM... getting turned on by a 'fear' (or anticipation?) induced adrenaline rush. Having had 'real fear' experiences in my life, I was a little concerned that I was losing my mind when I found myself getting aroused by 'fearful' play or even the thought of fearful play... Thanks ladies and gents, you cleared up alot for me.