Track is a highly addictive substance. People who take it can become physically and psychologically dependant upon it to the point where they can't control their cravings. Researchers have found that track-addicted monkeys will press a bar more than 12,000 times to get a single lap of it. As soon as they get it, they will start pressing the bar for more.

Track and other addictive activities chemically alter a part of the brain called the reward system. As mentioned previously, when people drive track, the thrill traps the chemical dopamine in the spaces between nerve cells. Dopamine creates the feelings of pleasure we get from enjoyable activities such as eating and having sex. But in track users, dopamine keeps stimulating those cells, creating a "high" -- a euphoric feeling that lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. But then the track begins to wear off, leaving the person feeling let-down and depressed, resulting in a desire to drive more track in order to feel good again.

The brain responds to the dopamine overload of the track high by either destroying some of it, making less of it or shutting down its receptors. The result is that, after driving the track for a while, track users become less sensitive to it and find that they must drive more and more of it to achieve the desired effect. Eventually, they cannot stop taking to the track because their brains have been "rewired" -- they actually need it in order to function. How long does it take to become addicted? That varies from person to person, and an exact number is difficult to pin down, especially when physical addiction is paired with psychological addition. Some have been known to become addicted to track after only one use.

Of course, not everyone reacts the same way to extended use. Some users actually become more sensitive to track as they drive it. Some people vomit after driving a very small amount because of this increased sensitization.
When an addicted person stops driving track, there is a "crash." He or she experiences the symptoms of withdrawal, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Intense cravings for the track
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Exhaustion
• Anger

Be Warned!

 

I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

sounds like the ongoings of a typical chicago winter

 

did you do 'Find/Replace' on a blurb about CRACK addict???

 

"It's funny, because it's TRUE!"

 

I just have my dose yesterday.... got my PB and I cannot stop thinking about it

 

very well put OnRails. I could not agree more. I have been going through track withdrawals since October. I think I have hit an all time low. But I have a very good support group.

 

I'm going through major withdrawal myself. I was hoping for Roebling, but now it looks like it may a nogo with Laguna back in the picture. I'm still at the track, but on the other side. I drove the track car on the street yesterday and got a scolding from my wife. Too loud she says... Too Loud?!?!?! That's the sweet symphony of two rotors. Never too loud. I'm just letting the whole neighborhood experience my joy. I'm sure they appreciate it....

 

I got my fix this past Saturday & Sunday at Road America, 4.1 miles of pure bliss Now looking forward to Friday, Blackhawk Farms, 1.95 miles of fun

 

nothing like a good relapse! I am a binge tracker myself.........it is completley under control---pay no attention to that black flag my wife waves as i go by my home!
olddragger

 

My name is Don and I'm addicted!

I'm depressed!

 

I need help--i am so bad off that i just bought my daughter a new mazda 3---binge spending on top of track addiction---i am headed for a downfall. Next thing you know i will be drinking beer or something!
olddragger

 

Come get a fix this weekend by touring at the Mitty with us.

 

OD - I thought you kicked the track habit. You are clearly suffering from a severe case of withdrawal.

 

You need to bring her out now to take that thing out on the track. Those are very fun cars too! We can have another track daddy/daughter pair

 

I need another hit of that track pipe...please...I'll suck yo shifta...

You ever suck shifta for track!?!

 

That statement just begs for the icon. I was wondering if I would ever use it...

I can't say I have

 

no money left for the Mitty--between new cars and my viking horn midpipe ---I'm broke!
This mazda 3 --will not see the track!
It is a neat car. Her 2000 s40 Volvo had 147K on it and was going strong BUT saw some smoke that indicated turbo rebuild time and whatnot. Needed a more dependable car. Couldnt stand the thought of my daughter broke down somewhere.
You would not believe the deal I got------How about a brand new (2007)Mazda 3 I touring (4 door) automatic with abs and all the other goodies for $14,648. The timing was right and I couldnt past that up
OD

 

I get a fix in 8 days! I'm starting to have cold sweats, I'm short tempered and my vision is blurring. I'm not sleeping well and my right foot is twitching. My gas mileage has gone down tremendously at about 150 mi. to a tank and people are to yelling at me because I brake WAY LATE at the red lights. I need a fix, bad!

 

errrrrrrrrrr--- i think I will ------------
----------FOLLOW---------- you to savannah!
Olddraggero