High sensation seekers are defined as having an acute sensitivity to their environmental surroundings and personal interactions. This personality trait is characterized by the need for stimulation, and is related to a preference for novel, intense and complex experiences. They tend to be extroverted, accept change more openly and view others as an audience rather than a source of nurturing or affection.The proclivity for stimulation of high sensation seekers can lead to risk taking behaviors, which fulfill their need for stimuli. Common activities include adventure sports, listening to high intensity rock music, partaking in risky sexual behavior, or even extreme exotic travel.

Studies show that there is a strong association between sensation seekers and drug and alcohol use: The search for novel experiences sets off the same brain reward system as drug use, providing a biological explanation for substance abuse among people who constantly seek out new and exciting experiences. The inhibitory response of these personality types is also diminished, adding to their tendency to take risks.

Although it may seem obvious, it’s interesting to note how our chemical make-up can determine our need for physiological stimulus. Everyone’s primal reward system is largely predicted by genetics; drugs may satisfy the pleasure portion of one person’s brain, but do little to stimulate someone who is less inclined to pursue experiences outside of their comfort zone. 

Knowledge of the association between high sensitivity and drug use is considered valuable because specialists believe that they can take intervention measures in young adults’ lives who demonstrate high sensation seeking behaviors prior to their exposure to substances, preventing their urge to use. Many ad campaigns are targeted towards risk takers, and encourage adolescents to find healthier ways to get their thrills. Dramatic depictions of the damaging effects of drug use has shown to have greater impacts on high sensation seekers than less sensitive individuals. These media campaigns have proven to be effective tools in drug prevention.

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