Tanning Addiction

Many people who tan regularly have the knowledge that exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun increase the possibility of skin cancer. But, this knowledge does not seem to have more effect on their tendency and the possibility of skin cancer continues to increase. This repetitive tanning demeanor is a kind of addiction. The ultraviolet light in tanning beds activates production of endorphins. These are chemicals in the brain that can be associated with pain relief and euphoric feelings. There are certain questions that when answered “yes” confirm that the man is a tanning addict. Is tanning a good way to pass the time? Do you own a pair of eye covers things? Is your fashion sense horribly distorted? Does pale skin insult the sense of morality, purpose and justice? Do you feel embarrassed and foolish when the skin isn’t similar to an irradiated butternut squash?

Withdrawal Symptoms

The UV light has an effect on the mood that is valued by the tanners. When these feel-good chemicals are blocked, some tanners experience withdrawal symptoms. It means that there are physical and psychological features due to the abrupt cessation of tanning. Some of these are sweating, tremor, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia and muscle pain. Recent research proves that tanning is an addiction. The frequent tanners are those who tan 8-15 times a month. When such people are given naltrexone, which is a drug that blocks a narcotic-like substance generated during tanning, they get withdrawal symptoms. These include nausea, dizziness and shaking. Also as the dosage was increased, the withdrawal symptoms also increased. Those who were infrequent tanners do not get such withdrawal symptoms.

Overcoming tanning addiction

As seen earlier, when individuals are exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or a tanning booth, their bodies release endorphins. These chemicals enhance a person’s mood. Tanners usually chase to achieve this mood. Additionally, sunbathers assume that tanning is a good method to relieve stresses in the daily routine. Similar to alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, the suntan addiction is also a difficult habit to break. To break this habit one method, is to have a friend in the support group. This person should urge to do something else than a tan. A second method to overcome tanning addiction is to set age restrictions for tanning salons. This is similar to forbidding the sale of cigarettes and alcohol to minors. There ought to be public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of tanning.

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