Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with studies estimating that 30% of people aged 18-35 in Western societies have at least one tattoo. With their growing prevalence, there have been questions around whether tattoos can become addictive. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence around tattoo addiction and whether it’s a real phenomenon.
What is tattoo addiction?
Tattoo addiction, also sometimes called tattoo dependence, is not currently recognized as a clinical diagnosis. However, it refers to the experience of compulsive tattooing, including:
- Feeling unable to stop getting tattoos
- Continuing to get tattoos despite negative consequences
- Getting tattoos to cope with difficult emotions or situations
- Spending increasing time, energy and money pursuing tattoos
- Experiencing cravings to get the next tattoo
People who feel addicted to tattoos may get new ones every few weeks or months. Their tattoo obsession can take over their lives and lead to financial issues, problems in relationships and declined health.
Is tattoo addiction real?
The idea of tattoos being addictive is controversial in the scientific community. Here’s an overview of the key points in the debate:
Evidence suggesting tattoo addiction is real
- Some research using questionnaires has found a subsection of people with tattoo addictive tendencies. In one study of 300 tattooed university students, 14% showed signs of mild addiction and 4% showed signs of strong addiction.
- Brain scan studies show getting a tattoo appears to activate brain regions associated with reward, pleasure and addiction, including the nucleus accumbens.
- The act of getting a tattoo causes a pain and stress response, which leads to a release of endorphins. This can become addictive.
- Anecdotal reports from heavily tattooed people describe cravings, withdrawal symptoms and failed attempts to cut down on tattoos.
- Therapists report treating clients who feel their tattoo habits are out of control and are causing them distress.
Evidence questioning whether true tattoo addiction exists
- No definite biological mechanism for tattoo addiction has been identified.
- Tattoo addiction is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which lists official psychiatric diagnoses.
- Studies depend on self-reporting to measure addiction, making results subjective.
- There are no proven treatments tailored specifically to tattoo addiction.
- Enjoying tattoos and wanting more is not necessarily the same as clinical addiction.
Overall, while some people appear to have an unhealthy relationship with tattooing, there is no consensus in the medical field that a distinct tattoo addiction disorder exists. More research is needed.
What causes tattoo addiction?
While not yet fully understood, some factors believed to contribute to tattoo addiction include:
- Biology – Natural chemicals released in response to tattoo pain, including endorphins, may positively reinforce the act of getting inked for some people.
- Psychology – Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma or personality disorders may predispose some individuals to compulsive behaviors like excessive tattooing.
- Social influence – Tattoos can be a symbol of belonging to a group or culture. The more tattoos someone has, the more invested they feel in the tattoo community.
- Addiction tendency – People with addictive personalities may channel that tendency into tattoos rather than drugs, alcohol or other risky behaviors.
- Coping mechanism – For some, tattoos may provide a sense of control or become a maladaptive coping mechanism for stress or trauma.
As with most disorders, tattoo addiction likely arises from a combination of multiple genetic, neurobiological, psychological and social factors that require further investigation.
Signs of tattoo addiction
If you’re concerned you or someone you know may be addicted to tattoos, here are some signs to watch out for:
- Thinking obsessively about tattoos and the next design
- Feeling unable to control tattoo urges
- Spending excessive time, money and energy on tattoos
- Hiding or lying about the extent of tattooing
- Getting tattoos despite negative consequences (like pain, expense or social issues)
- Using tattoos to cope with upset or difficult situations
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety when unable to get another tattoo
- Progressively increasing the size, scale and frequency of tattoos
- Making tattoos a priority over relationships, work, finances and health
- Feeling shame, guilt or loss of control around tattoo habits
If several of these signs are present, it may indicate a problematic relationship with tattooing. The more signs exhibited, the more compulsive the behavior likely is.
Physical risks of tattoo addiction
While the mental health effects of tattoo addiction are the primary concern, getting tattooed excessively can also impact physical health:
- Skin damage – Repeated tattooing can break down skin integrity and its natural barrier functions.
- Scarring – Scars may form with repeated trauma to the same skin areas.
- Blood-borne illness – The risks of diseases like hepatitis or HIV are increased with frequent tattooing if proper sterilization techniques aren’t followed.
- Allergic reactions – Reactions may progressively get worse with overuse of certain inks.
- Numbness – Long sessions can cause numbness from nerve damage that may become permanent.
- Other issues – Problems like skin overheating, blowouts or oozing ink are more likely if the skin is constantly tattooed.
Consulting a dermatologist can help identify and treat any skin issues that arise from compulsive tattooing. Taking good care of the skin between sessions is also important.
Psychological risks of tattoo addiction
Along with physical concerns, problematic tattooing also comes with a range psychological risks and effects:
- Mental preoccupation – Obsessive tattoo thoughts can crowd out other activities and priorities in life.
- Addiction progression – Over time other addictions may emerge as tolerance builds to the high of getting tattooed.
- Guilt and shame – Keeping an out-of-control tattoo habit a secret can create feelings of self-loathing and low self-worth.
- Financial issues – Excessive tattoo expense may lead to debt, poverty and financial stress.
- Impact on relationships – Constant tattooing despite others’ concerns can damage personal relationships.
- Reduced work performance – Tattoo habits may impair job functioning and endanger employment.
Getting psychological treatment is important for addressing the thought patterns and behaviors driving compulsive tattooing. Counseling can also help build skills to communicate with loved ones about the problem.
Treatment for tattoo addiction
As tattoo addiction is not formally recognized, there are no standard treatment protocols available. However, many of the same techniques used in treating behavioral addictions can help:
Psychotherapy
Seeing an addiction therapist or counselor allows working through any underlying issues contributing to excessive tattooing. Cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, psychoanalysis or group counseling may be beneficial.
Medication
If mental health issues like anxiety, depression or OCD are a factor, medication may help manage symptoms and cravings. Any medications should be prescribed by a doctor.
Support groups
Joining a support group provides community, accountability and advice from others struggling with tattoo compulsion. Groups may be found locally or online.
Lifestyle changes
Making positive life changes can establish healthier coping habits to replace tattooing. Things like exercise, meditation, journaling, new hobbies and spending time with sober friends can ground someone in reality.
Abstinence & relapse prevention
Going cold turkey on tattoos for a period of time may be necessary to reset addictive behaviors. Learning to navigate triggers, cravings and high-risk situations can help prevent relapses back into obsessive tattooing.
Addressing underlying issues
Seeking treatment for any co-occurring disorders like depression, PTSD or personality disorders may be key in managing tattoo addiction long-term. Resolving trauma with professional help can also break the addiction cycle.
Coping strategies for tattoo addiction
Along with professional treatment, some self-care strategies that may help manage compulsive tattoo urges include:
- Exercising, meditating or engaging in hobbies when cravings hit
- Avoiding tattoo parlors and unfollowing related content online
- Seeking social support and telling friends/family about the struggle
- Removing tattoo funds from accessible accounts to add a barrier
- Consulting with a therapist specialized in addiction treatment
- Making and keeping appointments for matters beyond tattoos
- Listing the financial, social, health and emotional consequences of giving into cravings
- Considering tattoo cover-up options or laser removal to reclaim control
- Finding healthy activities that provide a sense of thrill or release
- Anticipating and defusing high-risk situations where relapse may happen
Creating a formal relapse prevention plan outlining coping strategies tailored to the individual can help. Support groups also provide sponsor contacts to call when dealing with overwhelming urges.
Can tattoo addiction be prevented?
There are no surefire ways to prevent problematic tattooing from developing, but some tips that may help include:
- Avoiding tattoos when in an agitated state of mind or unstable emotional period
- Carefully considering tattoo designs and meanings rather than impulsively choosing
- Sticking to a personal set budget and timeframe between tattoos
- Setting clear boundaries if concerned about excess or hiding tattoos
- Not using tattoos to cope with stress, trauma or mental health symptoms
- Maintaining lifestyle balance and priorities beyond just tattoos
- Only working with reputable artists using sterile technique
- Taking good skincare measures to allow proper healing between sessions
- Seeking therapy at early signs of control issues or dependence
For those with addictive tendencies, proceeding with caution and self-awareness is wise. Supportive friends who promote healthy choices are also a preventative asset.
Enabling an addict
Loved ones often struggle with how to handle someone exhibiting warning signs of tattoo addiction. Some ways that enabling can inadvertently occur include:
- Giving them money for tattoo expenses
- Helping conceal their habit from others
- Discouraging or undermining their attempts to change
- Ignoring clear signs of impairment or decline
- Not expressing concern about the behavior
- Joining in or praising their new tattoos
- Blaming others for their choices
- Assuming it’s just a hobby and minimizing harm
Instead, supporting recovery means setting clear boundaries and expectations. Offer to help seek treatment resources or attend counseling. Recognize that they cannot simply stop on their own. Express care and concern coming from a place of love.
When to seek help for tattoo addiction
If the following impacts are building, consider seeking professional help:
- Increasing mental and emotional dependence on getting tattooed
- Lies, secrecy or defensiveness around tattoo habits
- Worsening health issues or pain with repeated tattooing
- Inability to control spending on tattoos
- Placing tattoo plans over important responsibilities
- Withdrawal-type symptoms if unable to get tattooed
- Risky or impulsive behaviors beyond just tattoos
- Major problems in work performance or key relationships
- Feeling ashamed, helpless or trapped by tattooing
Seeking support earlier improves the chances of getting addictive behaviors under control before they escalate further. Don’t wait until hitting “rock bottom”. Make the call before the problem progresses to that level.
Conclusion
The science is still evolving, but evidence suggests tattoos may become a true addiction for some subset of people. Getting tattooed frequently can impact mental health, physical health, finances and relationships. If obsessive tattooing is happening, address it now before the problem gets worse. Professional counseling that incorporates addiction treatment approaches can help reclaim life balance, control and healthy choices.