Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

unblock

(52,262 posts)
Thu Feb 22, 2018, 11:00 PM Feb 2018

we joke about "ammosexuals", but there is a link between guns and sex - shooting releases endorphins

just as sex releases endorphins and cocaine releases endorphins.

for some gunsters, there's more to it than just home security or hunting for the sake of sport. it's a biologically pleasurable activity for them, and in some cases, perhaps an addictive activity.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/addicted-guns-heres-how-using-firearm-affects-your-biology-410542

Guns are one of the most deadly weapons known to man, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that about 33,736 people die from gun shots each year. While most of us understand what happens to a person who has been shot, how firearms affect the biology of the shooter is more mysterious. Here’s a short run-through of what happens to your body when you pull the trigger.

Despite their clear danger, many people enjoy firing guns in their spare time as a form of entertainment, and there may be a biological reason. When you fire a gun, your body releases hormones called endorphins, Forbes reported. These hormones promote a calm, relaxed feeling, and although they are meant to help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with firing such a powerful weapon, they can also induce a pleasurable “high-like” sensation. These are the same hormones that are released when we have sex or use certain drugs, so it’s easy to see how some can get hooked on the feeling of using a gun.

In addition to a flood of hormones, shooting a gun can also burn calories — a surprising amount. For example, the average 130-pound shooter will burn about 148 calories per hour at the shooting range, while heavier shooters clocking in at around 205 pounds can burn as many as 233 calories an hour.

Guns also affect the brain; right before you fire the gun, alpha waves in the brain are abundant in order to improve the shooter's accuracy. Along with increasing accuracy, these specific types of brain waves are also associated with creativity and alleviating depression, Psychology Today reported. In addition, shooting also stimulates the right side of the shooter’s brain in an effort to help them get the most accurate shot possible.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
we joke about "ammosexuals", but there is a link between guns and sex - shooting releases endorphins (Original Post) unblock Feb 2018 OP
I think marketeers figured it out years ago. Hoyt Feb 2018 #1
It is not just a testosterone thing, it is an American testosterone thing. BigmanPigman Feb 2018 #2

BigmanPigman

(51,611 posts)
2. It is not just a testosterone thing, it is an American testosterone thing.
Thu Feb 22, 2018, 11:09 PM
Feb 2018

There are men all over the planet yet in the US 99% of gun violence is committed by men. Just like mental health being a contributing factor to gun violence, so is testosterone and the availability of guns is a deadly combination, especially to women. Domestic violence by men is huge and when guns are involved it is a major killer of women.
https://www.vox.com/cards/gun-violence-facts/guns-domestic-violence-united-states-risk

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»we joke about "ammosexual...