Why is piercing addictive

Extensive body modification will not necessarily detract from important career choices or interfere with meaningful work, either. Hannah Shaw, better known as Kitten Lady , is a neonatal kitten rescuer and animal advocate who speaks nationwide about increasing community involvement in animal welfare.

In spite of her heavily tattooed appearance, she has had the opportunity to take on important work, including speaking in front of Congress to defend legislation stopping animal testing in government research. Just as with alcohol use , for example, body modifications can be healthy in moderation. A desire for tattoos can be a normal outlet for self-expression or a way to participate in counterculture movements with no risk of harm.

Body modification is a normal part of life in recovery and is a generally healthy form of self-expression, but taking it too far may mean that your fascination has crossed the line. Tattoos and piercings should generally be enjoyed in moderation, much like other substances. Chris Foy is a content manager and webmaster for FHE Health with years of experience in the addiction treatment industry Read more. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at marketing fhehealth. What Is Body Modification? Body Modification and the Recovery Community If you are an active part of the recovery community , you may have noticed that body modification is extremely common.

Tattoo Addiction Any pleasurable behavior, from shopping to gambling to sex, can be addictive, and this includes tattoos. Challenges with Addiction As with all addictions, an addiction to tattoos starts small, usually with a single small tattoo early in young adulthood. Signs of Addiction to Body Modification Like all addictions, there are many signs to watch for in those who may suspect a tattoo or piercing addiction in themselves or their loved ones.

Request a Call. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Many feel the same about body piercings as well -- unwilling to stop at just one. Is this simply an affinity for body modification or an actual addiction?

In a study, 23 percent of Americans reported having at least one tattoo, and 8 percent reported sporting a piercing other than in the earlobe [source: Pew Research Center ]. You might say, "I'm totally addicted to tattoos" in a lighthearted way, but some psychologists believe there's some truth to this statement. One reason? Let's take a closer look. Because body modifications such as tattoos, piercings or branding cause some pain, the body releases endorphins in response.

Many call endorphins "the body's natural pain fighter. That's right -- endorphins actually behave similarly to drugs such as morphine and other painkillers. You may have heard of "runner's high. In addition to pain management, release of endorphins also benefits the body by:. However, endorphin release isn't the only reason people may find themselves returning to a tattoo or piercing parlor.

The need for self-expression, the desire to join the body modification culture or an urge to display art on the body are all valid and common reasons for tattoos and piercings.

Several life-altering issues characterize true addictive behavior. Keep in mind we're not talking about substance abuse but about compulsive behaviors. You can use piercings for a more exciting sex life with sensual nipple and genital piercings. Dermal piercings allow you to pierce almost anywhere on your body, including your arms and the nape of your neck, or you can even pierce a faux corset on your back.

Even more conservative styles can be complemented with a piercing. Nose rings and cartilage clusters are among the body piercings that have recently entered into the realm of appropriate professional attire, paving the way for career-minded people to enjoy the fashion of body jewelry. Your piercing is limited only by your imagination. After you choose your piercing out of the literally thousands of options to choose from, you can further make your piercing your own with a hot design.

Shields, cuffs, climbers, and other styles can take a standard piercing and turn it into something completely unique. Additionally, a well-planned piercing cluster, especially on the cartilage, paves the way for gorgeous aesthetics.

Because more and more people are entering the body piercing world, body jewelry designs have expanded to include all sorts of styles, from conservative to extravagant. Many piercings in Ancient Roman culture signified strength and virility. The Aztecs often pierced themselves as a form of bloodletting during religious ceremonies. Beyond the pain, piercings have spiritual significance in many cultures.

Some believed metal to ward off demons, and they would take on piercings as a defense.