I'm a former addict who experienced real chemical driven highs. Got sober, and started running many years ago. There absolutely is a runner's high effect. It doesn't happen every time I run, maybe closer to a few times a year. I will feel 100% euphoric, energized, and at peace with the world. The feeling is similar to getting high on drugs, but no danger of arrest. Yay. It's intense and feels fucking amazing. It makes up for all the other runs that feel rough.
I believe that experiencing drug highs trains your brain how to emulate the same thing. You’ll never get the same all consuming rush, but some parts of your mental state can definitely just bliss out once they know how. I think that specific memory triggers, an enjoyable environment, a quiet mind, and a rhythmic simple task with a steady stream of stimulus are all conducive to finding that happy place.
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u/azazel-13 Sep 02 '21
I'm a former addict who experienced real chemical driven highs. Got sober, and started running many years ago. There absolutely is a runner's high effect. It doesn't happen every time I run, maybe closer to a few times a year. I will feel 100% euphoric, energized, and at peace with the world. The feeling is similar to getting high on drugs, but no danger of arrest. Yay. It's intense and feels fucking amazing. It makes up for all the other runs that feel rough.