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
- ^ Medical News Today, Tanning addiction exists, study. August 16, 2005, accessed December 30, 2007.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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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