Piercing your body is a form of body modification that has been around since ancient times, and yet it still remains a controversial topic today. While some view piercings as an expression of individuality, others consider them a form of self-harm. So the question arises, are piercings really addictive? This article will explore the scientific evidence behind body modifications, such as piercings, answer this question. With the help of professionals and experienced body modifiers, we will examine the various physical and psychological effects of getting a piercing. We will also discuss the health risks associated with body modifications and the possible benefits of piercing. Finally, this article will provide an overview of the current scientific research on body modifications, including whether piercings are truly addictive.
Are Piercings Addictive?
Yes, piercings can be addictive! Many people develop an obsession with piercings and find that they can’t stop getting more and more. The reason this happens is that piercings are a form of self-expression; they’re a way to express yourself and to make yourself stand out from the crowd. This feeling of being unique is something that some people crave, so they keep getting more piercings as a way to achieve that feeling.
Overview Of Modification
- Body modifications are interventions that alter the body. They can be categorized into surgeries, procedures that involve cutting or removing tissue; piercing, piercing with holes that are usually made with a needle; tattooing, the deposition of colored pigments into the skin; and Depilation, removing body hair with depilatory creams, waxing, laser treatments, electrolysis, and other methods. These modifications can be permanent or temporary.
- Tattooing – Depicted images or letters using a dye that is applied to the skin. This is the most popular form of body modification.
- Piercings – Ear lobes, navels, genitals, and other places on the body can be pierced using needles or rings.
- Laser Treatments – A laser is used to remove hair from the body. – Liposuction – This is the removal of fat from specific areas of the body.
- Genital Modification – Although not a piercing, genital modification involves the alteration of the genitals, such as reducing the size of the penis or clitoris.
Physical Effects Of Piercings
- Ears – After ear piercing, the ear lobes may become wider and longer. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, this is normal, as the cartilage in the ears will increase in size and could eventually shrink back to its original size.
- Face – A study published in the “International Journal of MolecularIZO (IJMZ)” found that people who get piercings on their faces tend to experience early signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and sagging of the skin.
- Nipples – Nipples are one of the most common places to get a piercing. According to a study published in the “Annals of Plastic Surgery”, people who have piercings in their nipples are more likely to have certain types of cancer.
- Hormones – The hormones released by the body after getting a piercing could lead to a number of health problems. Before getting a piercing, one should consult a doctor to avoid these health risks.
- Autoimmune Diseases – People who get a piercing are more likely to develop an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Blood Clots – The blood that flows through the piercing channel triggers clotting, which is also known as coagulation, in the blood. Coagulation is a normal process that helps prevent blood loss and excess blood clotting, but it can also result in blood clots forming in the arteries, heart, brain, joints, eyes, and other parts of the body. Clotting in the body can lead to various health problems.
- Skin Infections – Infected skin that forms around a piercing is called a “cutaneous” infection, which is also referred to as a “skin tag.”
- Skin cancers – Coagulation in the piercing region can result in the growth of skin cancers, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
- Dental Issues – If a person gets a piercing in the wrong part of the mouth, the piercing can cause the gums around the piercing to become infected and inflamed, which could eventually lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
Psychological Effects Of Piercings
- Identity – Getting a piercing could change someone’s self-perception, as they could start viewing their body as “different,” which could lead to body dysmorphia, an unhealthy obsession with the way one’s body looks.
- Bonding – Piercing is a bonding experience between the piercer and the person getting the piercing. – Pain – The pain associated with getting a piercing is temporary and could even result in a high, which could result in a temporary sensation of euphoria.
- Anxiety – Some people are afraid of getting a piercing because they associate it with fear of pain, infection, and disease. – Addictive – In the past, some people used the word “addictive” to refer to drug use, but it has since been used to refer to all forms of addictive behavior, including piercings.
- Sense of Control – Some people feel as if they have more control when they get piercings, which could lead to feelings of empowerment, even though in reality, they are simply surrendering control to others.
- Rebellion – Some people get piercings as a form of rebellion, especially against parents or other authorities who might disapprove of such behavior.
Health Risks Of Body Modification
- Infection – After piercing or tattooing, a wound could become infected, which can lead to a number of health problems. – Inflamed Glands – Hormone release and inflammation in the piercing region can lead to an infection in the gland.
- Blood Clotting – In the process of clotting, the piercing region releases an anti-coagulant, which can lead to blood clotting and health issues.
- Cancer – The growth of skin cancers in the piercing region can lead to an increase in the risk of other types of cancers.
- Dental Issues – Infected gums around a piercing are also prone to decay and tooth loss, which could lead to serious health problems.
Benefits Of Piercing
- Social Acceptance – By getting a piercing, people can easily become part of a social group, which could help them deal with negative emotions such as loneliness and depression.
- Positive Emotions – Getting a piercing could lead to positive emotions, including euphoria and self-love, which could help them cope with depression and negative emotions.
- Sense of Identity – People who get piercings could start viewing their bodies as “different” and “cool,” which could also help them cope with feelings of social inadequacy.
- Increased Self-Esteem – By getting a piercing, people can feel as if they are “rebelling” against society, which could also lead to a false sense of empowerment.
- Self-Expression – Piercings could be an outlet for creative expression, which could help them deal with social anxiety.
- Sexual Stimulation – People who get piercings are more likely to have sex than those who do not, which could result in a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of disease.
Current Scientific Evidence
- Because there is little research on the effects of body modifications, the majority of scientific evidence comes from studies on drug use.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most people who use drugs have tried one of the following five types of drugs:
- A drug that affects the nervous system, such as cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy – A drug that affects mood, such as marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs
- A drug that affects the body, such as heroin and cocaine – A drug that affects the mind, such as nicotine
- A food that affects the mind and body, such as chocolate and caffeine
Conclusion
Body modification is the intentional alteration of your body. There are many different forms of body modification, including piercings, tattoos, laser treatments, liposuction, genital modification, and piercings. Physical effects of body modifications include widening ears, increased blood clotting, and skin cancers. Psychological effects include identity, bonding, and self-love. The health risks of body modifications include infection, blood clotting, and cancer.
