Anything can be addictive. Some people choose drugs or alcohol, others choose pain such as tattoos, and some teens have recently chosen tanning, this continuing into adulthood in some cases. Some have asked is tanning addictive, worrying mostly about our children. So they posed this question in an official study. And they also suggested that those who are addicted to indoor tanning are also more likely to engage in other harmful and addictive behaviors such as alcohol and drugs or for that matter to engage in eating disorders.

A recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology showed that when 421 college students were studied for a possible tanning addiction, they showed that some 40% of the students who used tanning beds met the criteria that might suggest tanning addiction. They handed out a questionnaire, and using the second, 30% met the given criteria. Those who met the criteria on both were more likely to experience problems with drugs, alcohol, and other addictive tendencies as the theory of addictive or non addictive personalities would indicate. There are some who are obviously more vulnerable to certain addictions, and chances are those who tested this way on both surveys may have been addicted to other things and may continue to be addicted to other things with or without tanning. But it is just another thing to add to it that has also been known to contribute to problems like skin cancer and early aging and wrinkles.

Some also worry that excessive involvement in tanning may be connected to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. The image associated with it is often associated with the same image sought with eating disorders in teens, now more prevalently in both males and females. And because of this, some have even begun to refer to the problem as “tanorexia.”

Essentially, an addiction is defined as a continued behavior despite clear risks, health problems, and other potentially serious issues. Addictions are said to be associated with addictive personalities. But some have also suggested that it may be connected to depression and other potentially serious mental issues. Addiction is a habit in the face of serious threats and serious issues. While addiction can be a lifelong problem, and many fight and battle it for the rest of their lives, you will find that the treatment options often remain the same for many addictions. Therapy is suggested for serious problems with addiction, and there are many other methods to replace endorphins and other things you may get from the addictive behaviors.