Indoor tanning linked to addictive behaviors

[The Straight Story]

Indoor tanning linked to addictive behaviors


Indoor tanning among U.S. college students is linked to addiction, anxiety and substance use, according to a study released today.

Researchers polled more than 400 undergraduates ages 18 to 25 in the northeastern U.S, almost half of whom said they used tanning beds. The researchers, using language similar to screening quizzes for alcohol and substance abuse, asked the respondents about their indoor tanning as well as their use of alcohol and other substances. They found that people who tanned also tended to use alcohol and marijuana; they were also more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety. The authors noted that "repeated exposure to UV light” may have results similar to those often cited by substance abusers: relaxation, increased socialization and improved moods.

They suggested more study of a short anxiety and depression screening for those who participate in indoor tanning.

“Treating an underlying mood disorder may be a necessary step in reducing skin cancer risk among those who frequently tan indoors," the authors wrote.

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/19/indoor-tanning-linked-to-addictive-behaviors/?hpt=T2

News Flash: Undergrads drink and smoke pot :)

[LoZoccolo]

1. I know someone who said it's a cure for winter blues.

Personally I think a visit to the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a bit safer (and free of charge).

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/45aa3ed2-7c6f-4461-83b2-29cb991637e6.cfm

[Dreamer Tatum]

3. A bottle of vitamin D will accomplish pretty much the same thing nt

[Name removed]

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[valerief]

4. Undergraduates use alcohol and marijuana? No!!!! I imagine you

could ask 400 undergraduates who use Crest toothpaste if they drink booze or smoke pot and get the same results. Friggin' useless Gupta.

[krabigirl]

5. Lol, maybe because these kids want to tan before they go out to party? What a shocker.

[Xithras]

7. Indeed. I see a HUGE selection bias problem with this study.

People who tan generally do so because they are concerned with how other people will see them. It's a tool used by socially active people in an attempt to increase their attractiveness.

Socially active people who are concious about their physical appearance are more likely to engage in social activities...including drinking and smoking pot. Where is the science here?

[gvstn]

6. hmm

Sunshine makes you feel good "relaxation, increased socialization and improved moods"--who'd of thought?

I know all the bad things said about sun exposure but it still feels good. I've never been completely able to give it up. Tanning beds aren't a bad substitute for the chemical benefits of sunshine. I would probably use them if I thought they were safer. (I had great success with indoor tanning to get rid of psoriasis)

But alas, now a days I limit myself to the exposure I get walking around and even then use SPF 70 on my ever expanding forehead.

[BakedAtAMileHigh]

8. Wow, 400 whole people!

How much did they pay these "scientists"????

[malaise]

9. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Palin Boehner...need I say more.