YMMV — anecdote territory

For me, it was probably for the same reasons that some (many? Most?) do drugs, for the moment of mental escape when your entire attention is truly needed in the moment.

While I thoroughly enjoyed adrenaline sports and got off lightly (one clavicle, boxers fracture, one ankle, and a couple of separated shoulders) what actually helped me was years of therapy and mindfulness

I still enjoy the sports, but not at the edge, just being on the mountain/wave/rapids is enough these days

My father was an abusive alcoholic FWIW