Yes, it’s true. What dermatologists have been declaring for a long time now has been proven. It’s true: Tanning is addictive—tanorexia!
Addiction researchers at ye olde city, Dallas (at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center), have shown that ultraviolet from a tanning bed stimulates reward pathways in the brains of those who tan frequently, not very different from the response pathways caused by other pleasurable stimuli, including food and sex and drugs and stuff. Beta-endorphin (a naturally occurring molecule related to morphine and opium) is released by the skin and reaches the brain, activating those pathways that induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
“Frequent tanners” (those who had used sunbeds at least twice weekly in the past 3 months) were recruited to be exposed to UV light and non-UV light. Of course, the “experiementees” did not know which was which. But they did, even without being told! The researchers found an increase in cerebral blood flow in those areas of the brain associated with rewards. Tanners could tell the difference between a sunbed generating the real thing and one producing non-stimulating rays!
These folks were also asked, before and after UV exposure, to rate their desire to tan again. The level of desire went down when they received the actual UV rays, but remained high with the fake light. They knew what they had gotten! And they wanted more: engaging in the suspect behavior despite negative consequences, is a characteristic of addictions.
More than 1 million cases of skin cancer per year in the US. One in five Americans will get it in their lifetime. Incidence of melanoma increasing steadily for the past 30 years, and it is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25–29 years of age, and the second most common cancer for adolescents. One American dies of melanoma every hour.
And people still tan! The power of pleasure!
I know, I come face to face with this weekly: Folks unwilling to give up tanning. Even some who have had skin cancers. Unbelievable, but true.
Tanning “addicts” also demonstrate other common symptoms of addiction: tolerance (needing more and more of the behavior to get the desired pleasurable effect), withdrawal (unpleasant symptoms arising when the behavior is abandoned), guilt, and an unhealthy mental preoccupation.
It’s not very difficult to get trapped, whether it is addiction to ultraviolet or to some other disturbing behavior (and it doesn’t have to be food, drugs, or sex). We are primed to go after the instant gratification, the pleasure generated, the kick, the ecstasy, the enchantment. No, not difficult at all.
Do not love the world
nor the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father
is not in him.
For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh and
the lust of the eyes and
the boastful pride of life,
is not from the Father,
but is from the world.
1 John 2:15–16
Rather the Bible tells us to seek gratification in the things of God, in the things above.
Therefore if you have been
raised up with Christ,
keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above,
not on the things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1–3
It may not result in “instant” gratification, but gratify it will, one day, soon, and that will be a gratification for eternity.
In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11
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