Addiction to Indoor Tanning

In Western societies, glorification of tan complexions resulted in the rise of indoorIndoor tanningTanning. This behavior is often driven by promotion in media and the desire for enhanced attractiveness, self-treatmentTreatment of various conditions, and achievement of a “base-tan” to protect against further photodamage. However, undergoing repeated sessions of indoorIndoor tanningTanning can result in the development of physiologic dependence through UV-activated neural reward pathways; this under-reported motivation, which contributes to the persistence of tanningTanning behaviors despite known risks, is comparable to addictionAddiction to substances. TreatmentTreatment and preventionPrevention of this complex disease requires a multi-pronged approach that considers generalized addictionAddiction treatmentsTreatment and large-scale legislative changes.