Getting a tattoo is a pleasure shrouded in myths

Psychoanalysts debate the reason behind this marked tendency toward “tattoos,” which some individuals experience as an addictive pleasure—they get a tattoo on one arm, then the other, and so on…

Twenty years ago, it was unthinkable. Tattoos were frowned upon and were seen as a sign of prison time or, at the very least, of suspicious people.

The heyday of “tattoos” was the 1990s, but the trend at that time dictated that tattoos had to be small, mostly monochromatic, and much less elaborate. Today, people start out with large, full-color designs, which are considered true works of art.

It’s also worth noting that the audience is no longer the same.

These days, it’s not just rockers who put their lives on the line.

People of all ages—minors with parental consent, seniors, and people of all backgrounds—are looking for a personalized design to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

These days, the tattoo industry is growing day by day, with high demand during the summer.

The danger for those who are just getting started in the art of getting tattoos—perhaps on a whim or because it’s trendy—is ending up trapped in a vicious cycle. They already have one, now they want another, and so on…

I’m addicted to tattoos… Physiological reasons…

Many people argue that it is not an addiction, but simply a passion.

The question is: what are the physiological reasons behind this addiction to tattoos that can make us feel the need to get new ones all the time…

Are there chemical elements in our bodies that make us want to get another tattoo?

Is this a physical or psychological issue?

Physiological Aspects:

Adrenaline:

Endorphins (happiness hormones), like adrenaline, are secreted by the adrenal glands, and it is the brain that stimulates these glands in certain highly stressful situations.

Endorphins are hormones that are naturally released to relieve pain in the body. They act as a sedative or anesthetic and are released in response to pain to alleviate it, thereby inducing a sense of pleasure.

Some people release so many endorphins that they say they feel a pleasurable effect similar to that of narcotics or even an orgasm… and who isn’t addicted to an orgasm?…

Social Interaction and Attention:

While tattooing is a unique and meaningful art form that should never be viewed as merely a fad or a way to attract attention, there are some cases in which getting a tattoo is indeed a way to seek social interaction, attract attention, and stand out—and over time, this can lead to psychological disorders.

Expression and meaning:

A tattoo is a form of expression. A moment in time, something that meant a great deal to us, a philosophy, a religion, or an ideal… a tattoo is the perfect medium for expression.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, tattoos as a form of “makeup” have become commonplace today, but they may not have any particular meaning; rather, people may simply decide to get a tattoo because of the beauty or uniqueness of the design.

It’s about expressing something with our bodies and over time.

Expressing what we feel, what we think, what we like or dislike, and even who we are. In many cases, expressing ourselves through tattoos can become a compulsive need.

Belonging to social groups:

Some people may feel the need to get a tattoo for various reasons, such as: belonging to a social, cultural, or ethnic group… such as ritualistic tribes where getting a tattoo is considered essential. It can be either a ritual or a tattoo that signifies a rank.

Collection:

While some people simply enjoy collecting things, others become truly obsessed with collecting items to satisfy their need—and tattoos are no exception.

Reaffirming ourselves:

Generally, if the person is young, these are times of rushing headlong into the future, which can result in a lasting memory of a trauma that is overlaid with other memories in an attempt to forget, or, in some cases, several laser sessions to put the matter to rest once and for all.

Getting a tattoo… addiction… or passion… it’s undoubtedly a pleasure shrouded in mystery and myth…