“When I first told people back in 2016 that I was getting my first tattoo, the most common response I got from those who were already inked themselves was ‘You’re going to get addicted to getting tattoos’. I found this notion a little ridiculous – I was nervous enough just getting a small one on my ankle. I couldn’t imagine getting hooked on something that was not only expensive, but painful and permanent. Fast forward to 2019, and I’ve since gotten two more tattoos, each one progressively larger and more detailed, and I’m already planning my fourth, fifth, sixth, etc.
As I was warned, I have indeed gotten hooked. For me, it’s both because I love how it makes me feel about my body, and because I’ve gotten to discover a new form of expression in my mid-30s. According to a 2018 report from Statista, roughly 46 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, and 30 percent of these people have two or three –19 percent have up to four or five. Clearly, other people love getting inked just as much as I do. But while tattoos can be fun to have, are they actually addictive?"
This opening quote is by Amy Semigran, a journalist who interviewed me last year for an article she was writing on addictions to tattoos for the online magazine Mic ("Are tattoos really addictive? There’s a reason you keep coming back for more"). Regular readers of my populist writing will be aware that I’ve written various articles on the psychology of tattoos over the years including articles on stigmatophilia (sexual arousal from a partner who is marked or scarred in some way, which can also include body tattoos), the use of extreme tattooing in films, a look at the TV program My Tattoo Addiction, and an article on whether having tattoos makes women more sexually attractive.
In my interview, I told Semigran that for a person’s behaviour to be deemed an addiction, it needs to meet my specific criteria: salience (where tattooing becomes the most important thing in a person’s life), mood modification (e.g., the euphoric feelings that accompany tattooing), tolerance (the gradual build-up of tattooing with the individual spending more and more time engaged in tattooing), withdrawal symptoms (negative psychological and/or physical consequences as a result of not being able to get tattooed such as extreme moodiness or irritability), conflict (the activity compromising other areas of the individual’s life such as personal relationships and education/occupation), and relapse (returning to tattooing after a period of abstinence).
Tattooing does not meet my criteria for addiction. I also added that while many behaviours can become impulsive, addiction relies on constant rewards or reinforcement. People with substance use disorders or addiction to gambling feed their habits with frequent rewarding experiences (at least in the short-term), but even the most heavily tattooed people are not engaging in the behaviour regularly.
However, it is feasible that tattooing could be a behaviour that results in constant preoccupation (e.g., constantly thinking about getting the next tattoo, looking at tattoo designs, reading tattooing magazines, talking with other heavily tattooed individuals and sharing experiences, working as a tattooist, etc.). However, constantly being preoccupied with tattooing is (in itself) not a problem, unless, of course, it starts to cause serious conflict with other day-to-day activities. Semigran also interviewed Dr. Daniel Selling (a psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group in New York) and was quoted as saying:
“The word addiction in the context of tattoos is misused…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.”
I agree that some people can spend too much time or money or spend money they don’t have on getting tattoos, but this is not addiction (and I would also argue that it is not dependence either). For many people, getting tattoos might be more of a passion than a problem, and there is nothing wrong with being passionate about what you do. I am passionate about work and some people describe me as being addicted to work or of being a "workaholic," but given there are almost no negative consequences of me working hard and loving my job, it certainly can’t be viewed as an addiction.
As Semigran pointed out in her article, for many people, their passion and interest in tattooing is something that enhances their lives rather than interferes with it (this is exactly the same as my assertion, published in a 2005 issue of the Journal of Substance Use) that healthy excessive enthusiasms add to life whereas addictions take away from it. Semigran interviewed Lisa Orth, a Los Angeles-based tattoo artist who has around 100 tattoos. She said:
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to permanently customize yourself with artwork. [The] feeling of self-expression can be an empowering experience… It’s one of the main reasons [my] clients come back again and again. Tattooing can be a way of engaging with, and taking possession of, one’s body in an active way… [It] can allow people to define themselves visually in a way that forces the observer to see a person as they most authentically see themselves. That’s a big draw (so to speak) for those who repeatedly get inked…Getting tattooed is one of the remaining rituals in our culture that are physical, mental and emotional challenges, where you come out transformed on the other side.”
Again, this explanation has nothing to do with addiction and everything to do with self-identity and passion. Many addiction psychologists would also add that if the behaviour causes harm or injury to the individual, it may also be a sign or symptom of possible addiction. However, Semigran quoted American psychologist Dr. Tracy Alderman's article for Psychology Today examining the extent to which tattooing and body piercings can be classed as self-harm.
“[E]njoying a rush is different than participating in self-harm. Since tattooing is a needle penetrating skin, that can potentially feed someone’s desire to feel pain or change their appearance due to unhappiness with themselves… Once in a while there will be cases in which piercing and/or tattoos do fit the definition of self-injury. But overwhelmingly, self-injury is a distinct behavior, in definition, method and purpose, from tattooing and piercing.”
I read Dr. Alderman’s article and her views mirror my own when it comes to the psychology of tattooing:
“[A] main issue separating self-injurious acts from tattoos and piercings is that of pride. Most people who get tattooed and/or pierced are proud of their new decorations. They want to show others their ink, their studs, their plugs. They want to tell the story of the pain, the fear, the experience. In contrast, those who hurt themselves generally don’t tell anyone about it. Self-injurers go to great lengths to cover and disguise their wounds and scars. Self-injurers are not proud of their new decorations.”
Semigran also quoted Dr. Suzanne Phillips, who recently wrote an article for PsychCentral entitled "Tattoos after trauma: Do they have healing potential." Dr. Phillips notes:
“[A tattoo being used] to register a traumatic event is a powerful re-doing… It starts at the body’s barrier of protection, the skin, and uses it as a canvas to bear witness, express, release and unlock the viscerally felt impact of trauma.”
There’s no doubt that tattooing has become part of mainstream culture over the past two decades and there are a number of scholars who claim in the scientific literature that getting tattoos can be potentially addictive (such as Dr. Ivan Sosin; Dr. Allyna Murray and Dr. Tanya Tompkins; see "Further Reading" below) but based on my own addiction criteria I remain to be convinced.
However, whenever I think about the psychology of tattooing, I am always reminded of the saying: “Tattoos are like potato chips… you can’t have just one.”
References
Alderman, T. (2009). Tattoos and piercings: Self-injury? Psychology Today, December 10. Located at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/blog/the-scarred-soul/200912/tattoos…
Griffiths, M.D. (1996). Behavioural addictions: An issue for everybody? Journal of Workplace Learning, 8(3), 19-25.
Griffiths, M.D. (2005). A ‘components’ model of addiction within a biopsychosocial framework. Journal of Substance Use, 10, 191-197.
Kovacsik, R., Griffiths, M.D., Pontes, H., Soós, I., de la Vega, R., Ruíz-Barquín, R., Demetrovics, Z., & Szabo, A. (2019). The role of passion in exercise addiction, exercise volume, and exercise intensity in long-term exercisers. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 7, 1389–1400.
Murray, A. M., & Tompkins, T. L. (2013). Tattoos as a behavioral addiction. Science and Social Sciences, Submission 26. Located at: https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/studsymp_sci/2013/all/26
Phillips, S. (2019). Tattoos after trauma-do they have healing potential? PsychCentral, March 27. Located at: https://blogs.psychcentral.com/healing-together/2012/12/tattoos-after-t…
Semigran, A. (2019). Are tattoos really addictive? There’s a reason you keep coming back for more. Mic, July 3. Located at: https://www.mic.com/p/are-tattoos-really-addictive-theres-a-reason-you-…
Sosin, I. (2014). EPA-0786-Tattoo as a subculture and new form of substantional addiction: The problem identification. European Psychiatry, 29, Supplement 1, 1.
Szabo, A., Griffiths, M.D., Demetrovics, Z., de la Vega, R., Ruíz-Barquín, R., Soós, I. &Kovacsik, R. (2019). Obsessive and harmonious passion in physically active Spanish and Hungarian men and women: A brief report on cultural and gender differences. International Journal of Psychology, 54, 598-603.
FAQs
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.
What is the psychology behind excessive tattoos? ›
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.
What does having a lot of tattoos say about a person? ›
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.
Why do I think tattoos feel good? ›
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.
Are tattoos linked to mental health? ›
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.
Do people regret tattoos later in life? ›
It's not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. But the good news is there are things you can do before and after getting a tattoo to lower your chances of regret.
What do psychiatrists say about tattoos? ›
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.
What type of person gets tattoos? ›
For better or for worse, tattooed people are typically associated with: being extrovert, have a rich social life, or the necessity to feel unique and stand out from the of the people.
Are tattoos linked to low self-esteem? ›
Low self-esteem in women with tattoos
A significantly greater distance between the present self and the ideal self was found in women with tattoos compared to women without tattoos. This greater distance between the present and ideal self represents low self-esteem [60].
Are people with tattoos happier? ›
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.
Getting a tattoo is a way for some people to express their emotions and thoughts. Tattoos also make a great way to memorialize something or someone special in our lives. Tattoo lovers often choose designs that remind them of the past.
Why do people keep getting tattoos? ›
Some find that tattoos can give them a sense of belonging or allow them to express who they are as individuals. Apart from the identity-based motivations, the study indicated that tattoos can also be perceived as a way to adorn the body as a fashion accessory or work of art to wear on the body.
What is tattoo pain comparable to? ›
Scratching pain.
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.
Are people with tattoos healthier? ›
Benefits the Immune system
Research has proven that multiple tattoos boosts the immune system. When the tattoo ink enters the body, the immune system attacks the ink. Each time that person goes for a new tattoo, the more their body undergoes that same process again and again, improving the immune system each time.
Are people more attractive with tattoos? ›
Will women find me more attractive? A: There's a lot of individual differences of course, but there's evidence that, overall, women will not find you more attractive with a tattoo. Additionally, women find men with tattoos to be healthier, more masculine, dominant, and aggressive, but as worse partners and parents.
Why do people with anxiety get tattoos? ›
For anxiety, someone may get a tattoo to remind them to stay grounded or to stay focused. This could be because it's common for those with anxiety to face challenges related to concentration, focus, or feeling grounded. Someone may also get a tattoo to remind themselves to use self care or to symbolize self care.
Do people get tattoos because of depression? ›
Why do people with depression get tattoos? 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.
Are tattoos good for anxiety? ›
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.
What is tattoo flu? ›
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
What is the most regretted tattoo? ›
Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt. Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it.
Outlines may get muddled, colours will fade, and the original ink might not be discernable. Areas of the body that have more friction and wear applied to them will lose their skin cells more easily and so your tattoo will fade more easily.
Why do borderlines get tattoos? ›
Those with BPD tends to get inked than others: Studies have shown that those possessing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) like frequent, intense mood swings and an inability to control outburst of emotions are more likely to get tattoos all over the body or in more than one body part.
What do dermatologists say about tattoos? ›
Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.
What is a tattoo snob? ›
Tattoo Snob: (n) A person focusing on the high end of the last of the low-brow art forms.
What age group gets the most tattoos? ›
People between the ages of 18 to 29 years are most likely to have tattoos (38%). This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Tattoo Statistics as it highlights the age group that is most likely to have tattoos.
What do you call someone who is addicted to tattoos? ›
If you've read this far and you don't think you're not convinced why tattoos are addictive because of adrenaline or endorphins – you might be a masoch*st.
What tattoos do people who struggle with anxiety get? ›
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."
Are tattoos classy? ›
The criteria for a tattoo to be deemed “classy” is highly subjective. However, there are styles that are more aesthetically pleasing to even the most highfalutin eye. You will want an artist that specializes in black and grey styles, and/or a tattooist with a penchant for clean minimalist lines.
Why do I feel more confident with tattoos? ›
Many people talk of the endorphin rush they experience when getting their tattoo. This feel-good release at the time of getting a tattoo can help to contribute towards self-confidence.
What do you call a person who loves tattoos? ›
Stigmatophile: a person who loves tattoos; piercings.
Tattoos can be a form of self-care for young people
trend report that Gen Z and Millennials are putting their own spin on self-care. It's not just bubble baths and meditation, and 17% of young people say they get tattoos as a form of personal care.
Is it unhealthy to get a lot of tattoos? ›
Tattoos can potentially lead to a number of risks, including skin infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. Such risks may increase if you don't see a licensed tattoo artist or if the wound itself heals improperly.
What is the most common tattoo in America? ›
Butterflies are the most popular tattoos in the USA
Said to represent young love, summer and joy, their versatility is what makes them so popular – they look great big or small, and can be etched in so many places, such as your lower back, collarbone, or chest.
Who has higher pain tolerance for tattoos? ›
It has been shown that women have a lower pain threshold and a lower tolerance than men to most types of nociceptive stimuli; therefore, women report increased pain sensation and further greater sensitivity to both clinical and experimental pain [21].
Do tattoos hurt more on muscle or fat? ›
In general, the least painful spots are those with the biggest fat content, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot.
Where is the most painful tattoo? ›
The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins. The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Are tattoos hard on your immune system? ›
He and his colleagues have found that individuals who frequently get tattoos appear to have higher levels of certain immune molecules, including antibodies, in their blood than people who rarely get inked (at least for a brief time).
Can a person with tattoos donate blood? ›
Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos
If you got a tattoo in the last three months, it is completely healed, and was applied by a state-regulated facility, which uses sterile needles and fresh ink—and you meet all blood donor eligibility requirements—you can donate blood!
Do you burn calories getting tattooed? ›
In fact, you'll actually burn calories during a tattoo because your metabolism speeds up in response to tension. Carb loading is a great way to make sure you'll have enough energy to get through your next tattoo appointment.
What do tattoos say about a person? ›
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.
Tattoo removal requests have increased 32% since 2016.
It suggests that more people are now opting to remove tattoos that they may have previously been content with, indicating that the trend of getting tattoos is becoming less popular.
Will tattoos become less popular? ›
Tattoos aren't going anywhere soon, and they will continue to be a huge part of the fashion industry. While many people think that tattoos are only for millennials, that is not true at all. We've seen celebrities like Eva Longoria who have had their tattoos for years now, proving just how timeless these designs can be.
Do tattoos affect perceptions of personality? ›
For example, several studies have reported that children are more likely to attribute negative acts (e.g., drug use) to tattooed figures (Durkin & Houghton, 2000) and that non-tattooed adults perceive tattooed individuals as more neurotic, less agreeable, less conscientious, and less open to experience than themselves ...
Do you get dopamine from tattoos? ›
During the tattoo process, our brains produce dopamine and endorphins also known as happiness hormones.
How often do people regret tattoos? ›
What percentage of people with tattoos experience tattoo regret? Approximately 25% of people with tattoos experience some level of tattoo regret.
