Samantha Peralta Public Health Community

Used to describe tanning as an addictive behavior Excessive tanning behavior meets criteria for the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)

Why is tanning addictive? Linked to similar symptoms of substance use and abuse

Overexposure to UV rays causes: Premature aging Array of deadly skin cancers Potentially blinding eye diseases

Most common type of cancer in the US Over 2 million cases reported yearly In 2012, the US reported: 67,753 people diagnosed 9,251 died 1 American dies from melanoma every hour

Skin: Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Eye: Cataracts Ocular Melanoma

People continue using UV beds w/ the knowledge of harmful risks Disregard for health similar to substance abuse symptoms Motivated by feelings of euphoria/emotional effects Examples: cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, etc.

Tolerance The need to raise intensity of beds for same effects as before Withdrawal Discomfort without having tanned recently Difficulty with control Tanning despite awareness of consequences

Frequent tanners receive feelings of euphoria while using UV light Motivated by direct emotional effect: Relaxation Enhanced mood Stress relief Improved energy Similar to nicotine addiction, tanners need daily dose to obtain same feelings

Becoming more prominent among younger crowds Minors under 17 are banned from indoor tanning in N.J. Adolescents disregard this 14-year-olds are exposing themselves to intense UV rays

According to 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, indoor tanning is used by: 13% All high school students 20% High school girls 27% Girls in the 12th grade 31% Caucasian high school girls

Unaware of the addictive euphoric feelings Tanning past the point of what is necessary Ignoring the recommended duration/amount of time Use that noggin, not the tanning beds!

Media has portrayed tanning in a positive light TV stars are encouraging the use of tanning beds Younger generations are influenced by this

Studies show those w/ disorders are more likely to be frequent tanners They seek relief of psychological problems Form a reliance on UV radiation

Not safer than tanning outdoors A base tan is not a safe tan More likely to get sunburnt Not a safe way to get Vitamin D Remember, this can happen to you! (to slide 8)to slide 8

DO NOT indoor tan Use sunblock when outside Do not allow yourself to burn Find shade Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect eyes

Check skin from head to toe once a month Use the ABCD’s to identify abnormal spots on skin See your physician for skin cancer exams

Ashrafioun, L., Boner, E.E. (2013). Tanning addiction and psychopathology: Further evaluation of anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 70(3), doi: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. (August 27, 2015). Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from Guy, G. P., Berkowitz, Z., Everett Jones, S., O’Malley Olsen, E., Miyamoto, J. N., Michael, S. L., & Saraiya, M. (2014). State indoor tanning laws and adolescent indoor tanning. American Journal Of Public Health, 104(4), e69-e74. doi: /AJPH Heckman, C.Y., Cohen-Filipic, J., Darlow, S., Kloss, J.D., Manne, S.L., & Munshi, T. (2014). Psychiatric symptoms of young adult female indoor tanners. Journal of Health and Promotion, 28(3), doi: Skin Cancer Foundation. Preventing Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from United States Environmental Protection Agency. Facts about skin cancer: New jersey. (2010). Retrieved from