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Tanning Addiction

Tanning addiction

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tanning addiction is a syndrome where an individual has a physical addiction to sunbathing or the use of tanning beds. [1] In 2005, a group of dermatologists published a study showing that frequent tanners experience a loss of control over their tanning schedule, displaying a pattern of addiction similar to smokers and alcoholics. [2]

Biochemical evidence indicates that tanning addicts are addicted to an opioid release experienced during tanning. When frequent tanners took an endorphin blocker in a 2006 study, they experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, while infrequent tanners experienced no withdrawal symptoms under the same conditions. [3]

The physical basis for tanning addiction should not be confused with the slang term tanorexia, which is said to be a psychological problem wherein the person sees themselves as too pale, even if they are quite dark.

References

  1. ^ Medical News Today, Tanning addiction exists, study. August 16, 2005, accessed December 30, 2007.
  2. ^ M. Warthan, T. Uchida, R. Wagner, Jr. UV Light Tanning as a Type of Substance-Related Disorder. Archives of Dermatology, August 2005; vol 141: pp 963-966.
  3. ^ M. Kaur, A. Liguori, W. Lang, S. Rapp, A. Fleischer, Jr., S. Feldman. Induction of withdrawal-like symptoms in a small randomized, controlled trial of opioid blockade in frequent tanners. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 54(4): p. 709-711, 2006

Source: Wikipedia

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Tanning Addictions

I have heard of people being addicted to tanning. The addiction to opioid is very interesting since opioid is a pain reducer much like narcotics. I can see how people would get addicted to it. It's a shame but I guess people need to have their tanning monitored so they don't over expose themselves and eventually get addicted to it.

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