Download Is there such a thing as a “tanning addiction?”

Is there such a thing as a “tanning addiction?”
Adapted from: Tanning Addiction: The Dark Side of that Golden Glow by Gail Post Ph.D.
(http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/tanning-addiction/) and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Tanning equipment—a known carcinogen
In July 2009, the World Health Organization categorized tanning equipment as a
known carcinogen, as dangerous to health as smoking and asbestos. Exposure to UV
radiation from indoor tanning beds before 35 years of age increases the possibility of
developing melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, by 75%. This is especially
alarming since 70% of patrons in tanning salons are women, mostly between the ages
of 16 and 29.
What is “tanorexia”?
The term “tanorexia” has been coined to describe individuals who feel compelled to
tan excessively, despite long-term aesthetic and health risks. These individuals
frequent tanning salons, to maintain a tan year round. Those “addicted to tanning”
claim that they:
find tanning relaxing;
may plan their day around their tanning schedule;
turn down social events or miss work to fit it in;
experience withdrawal symptoms if they cannot get to a beach or tanning
salon;
may lie, deny and rationalize their behaviors;
minimize how much time they spend in the sun or in tanning salons; and
deny that it is unhealthy, and extol its virtues.
Since the concept of “tanning addiction” is being recognized as a significant health
concern, research continues into this phenomenon. An underlying biochemical cause
of this addiction has been proposed by researchers. Since UV-radiation can increase
levels of endorphins, it creates a sensation of relaxation and pleasure and it is
suspected that frequent tanners are “addicted” to this feeling. In one study
researchers recruited infrequent and frequent tanners (classified as individuals who
tan eight to 15 times a month) and administered a medication that blocks the release
of endorphins. The frequent tanners (who were apparently used to feeling the effects
of the endorphins) showed physiological symptoms of withdrawal, such as dizziness
and shaking, while the infrequent tanners did not experience any symptoms. The
researchers concluded that excessive UV-radiation exposure increases endorphin
production, which can be addictive.
Signs of a tanning addiction
What are signs of a “tanning addiction”? While there is no definitive diagnostic
criterion for this term, you may want to reevaluate your behavior if you:
• think you spend too much time in the sun or in tanning salons
• have been confronted by others about your tanning behaviors
• have tried to cut back but have been unsuccessful
• feel guilty about it
• lie to others about how much time you spend tanning
• find yourself rationalizing or minimizing what you are doing
• feel insecure without that golden glow
• miss work or social functions because of it
• feel anxious or depressed if you cannot find time to tan.
Appreciating who we are
Appreciating “the skin you’re in” can be as healing as learning to accept your size,
weight, and any other imperfections. Protecting your skin will pay off as you age, but
ridding yourself of a compulsion to change your appearance will improve the quality
of your life, in the present. Remember, there is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan.
A tan is a sign of skin damage and your skin is trying to protect itself. If you feel you
are “addicted” to tanning, and you cannot seem to cut back, you may benefit from
counseling from a health care professional.
References:
American Academy of Dermatology (2010) Indoor Tanning Fact Sheet.
Canadian Cancer Society (2011) Skin Cancer and Indoor Tanning
Kaur, M., Liguori, A., Lang, W., Rapp, S., Fleischer, A., & Feldman, S. (2006).
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, 709-11.
Mosher, C., & Danoff-Burg, S. Addiction to indoor tanning: Relation to anxiety,
depression and substance use. (2010). Archives of Dermatology, 146, 412-417.
Warthan, M., Uchida, T., & Wagner, R. (2005). UV light tanning as a type of
substance-related disorder. Archives of Dermatology, 141, 963-966.