Tanning Bed Addiction Linked to Endorphins
Author Information
Author(s): Burton Adrian, Steven Feldman, Mandeep Kaur, Robert Dellavalle
Primary Institution: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Frequent users of tanning beds may become addicted to endorphins produced during UV exposure.
Conclusion
Frequent tanners may experience withdrawal symptoms when the effects of endorphins are blocked.
Supporting Evidence
- Frequent tanners showed a preference for UV light when given a placebo or low dose of naltrexone.
- Half of the frequent tanners experienced withdrawal symptoms with the 15-mg dose of naltrexone.
- Two subjects dropped out due to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Takeaway
Some people really like tanning beds because they feel good after using them, and they might even get addicted to that good feeling.
Methodology
The study involved 16 subjects (8 frequent tanners and 8 infrequent tanners) who were given either a placebo or varying doses of naltrexone before using tanning beds.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on frequent and infrequent tanners.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 8 frequent tanners (8-15 times per month) and 8 infrequent tanners (up to 12 times per year).
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