While there's no solid evidence to prove that getting tattooed is addictive, there are many factors that make it seem like it could be. For instance, getting a tattoo can release adrenaline (resulting in an adrenaline rush) and endorphins, which is why many may feel such a positive mental reaction after getting one.
Tattoos are a real thrill.
When you get a tattoo, your body releases adrenaline in response to the stress of receiving pain. An adrenaline rush can cause an increased heart rate, you may feel less pain, or you may even feel stronger with heightened senses. Basically, you become a superhero.
Tattoo addiction is not formally recognized, even as a behavioral addiction. However, some people describe the process of getting more and more tattoos as a kind of addiction.
while you can't have a tattoo addiction, per se, it can be a dependence where you feel some elements of need and withdrawal…and perhaps spend too much time or money getting work… Being tattooed can also lead to an adrenaline rush of sorts. It's the body tolerating annoyance and pain coupled with excitement and change.”
When you get a tattoo, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. When released, they cause a euphoric feeling not dissimilar to a class of drugs called opioids.
Studies about the Healing Power of Tattoos
A new Texas Tech University study suggests that women with multiple tattoos have higher self-esteem, but also more troubled pasts. The study tentatively concludes that tattoos basically serve as a coping mechanism that can successfully raise levels of self-esteem.
There are the obvious chemical responses, for starters: You're going to have a rush of adrenaline, because someone is coming at you with a needle. And you're going to get some pretty nice endorphins, too -- your body's chemical response to pain -- which can make you sort of high.
One of the most common psychological explanations for tattoos is that they are a form of risk-taking behavior. This theory suggests that people who get tattoos are more likely to be impulsive and thrill-seeking. They may also be more likely to take other risks, such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors or using drugs.
Psychiatric disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, drug or alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder, are frequently associated with tattoos. Finding a tattoo on physical examination should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying psychiatric condition.
For people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, tattoos can serve as a way to feel empowered and in control of their lives. They can help people feel better about themselves and their bodies, and can also provide a sense of belonging and community.
Getting a tattoo causes a physiological reaction: the release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphins and reduces cortisol levels. This reaction can cause an overall sense of calm, allowing the removal of stress.
During the tattoo process, our brains produce dopamine and endorphins also known as happiness hormones.
Getting a tattoo is often compared to a cat repeatedly scratching you. Though it's not the most intense pain ever, it might make you wanna hiss – especially if your artist uses multiple needles, like when shading. This also tends to happen away from bony or ultra-sensitive areas.
"Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others. It's always good to test out how your body reacts to it."
Because They Are Addicted to the Pain or the Process
However, some people get tattoos precisely because they want those sensations. Getting a tattoo is a unique experience. It involves voluntarily subjecting yourself to a painful (though not excruciating) procedure, sometimes for hours on end.
We recommend that tattoos are noted during the psychiatric examination and a record is made of their characteristics (location, size and content). The reasons and motivation for acquiring the tattoo(s) should be explored. Another benefit of recording tattoos is that they can be used for person identification.
But for some anxiety sufferers, tattoos have a place in their healing journey. If they can mark their bodies with reminders, and turn to those reminders in their darkest times, maybe they can loosen anxiety's grip or at least breathe through the grasp.
Researchers around the world who study human behaviors have been interested in finding out what makes people modify their body. They have found that individuals with tattoos report that they feel more attractive, stronger and more self-confident—having overcome the fear of pain.
According to a study 22% (of 540 individuals) possessed at least one tattoo. Further analyses showed that, compared with non-tattooed individuals, tattooed participants had significantly higher scores on extraversion, experience seeking, need for uniqueness, and held more positive attitudes toward tattoos.
Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent). The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it.
Stigmatophile: a person who loves tattoos; piercings.
You know that amazing mood boost you get after an intense gym session? The tattooing process has the same effect. These feel-good chemicals reduce your perception of the pain in the same way as drugs like morphine or codeine. You'll also feel a 'natural high' according to Mark.
“Tattooing starts at the body's first line of defense, the skin, and uses it as a canvas to physically bear witness to the assault experienced on body, mind, and sense of self. As such, it often visually and viscerally becomes a source of healing,” Suzanne Phillips, a psychologist, had explained.
Getting a tattoo having to do with your depression can serve as a public declaration, or personal reminder, of what you've overcome. When you've met a challenge head-on, there's often an immense sense of accomplishment when you see a positive outcome.
One in four Australians has a tattoo
Australia is experiencing growth in the proportion of people becoming 'inked'. Our latest study shows one in four Australians has a tattoo (25%) – a record high. This is up from 20% in 2018 and 19% in 2016.