When one thinks of an addiction, tattoos usually do not come to mind.

Sophomore illustration major Zack Shereck was 18 when he got his first tattoo. Since then, he has built up his “collection” to 15.

For many like Shereck, tattooing has turned into an addiction.

“There’s just something about them,” Shereck said. “It’s extremely addicting.”

Jon Bowman, owner/tattoo artist at Proton Studio in Cortland, 302 E. Lincoln Highway, has been tattooing for nine years. He said it is rare that someone only has one tattoo.

“Most people get to the point where they’re covered and can no longer remember how many they have,” he said. “There are definitely people who become collectors.”

Tattoos become addicting for some people in different ways.

“In a lot of ways, it could be physically addicting, like the endorphin rush you get after getting one,” Bowman said.

Jenna Thiele, sophomore political science major, said getting tattoos is a form of stress relief for her.

“I also like getting tattoos because I have a very high pain tolerance so it doesn’t hurt that much,” she said.

Thiele, who is currently planning on getting her fifth tattoo, said at first she only planned on getting three.

“Once you get one it’s hard not to get another,” she said. “I get a surge of ideas once I get a new one.”

Both Thiele and Shereck say there is an excitement after getting each tattoo that leaves them wanting more.

“You get one and you fall in love with it, so then you want to get more to fall in love with them too,” Shereck said.

When asked whether he thought he would have doubts about his tattoos years from now, Shereck said does not see himself regretting them.

“If I do, I’ll just look back and laugh at myself,” he said.