Is it true that cannibalism is physically addictive?

On the Internet you can often find the statement that cannibalism is akin to drugs. Having tasted human meat once, the cannibal supposedly physically cannot stop. We decided to check whether there is scientific evidence for this claim.

Various entertainment sites write about instant addiction to human meat, for example Pikabu And Fishki.net. This information can also be meet V collections facts about cannibalism. Approvedthat eating human flesh releases a large amount of dopamine - the hormone of pleasure, and a cannibal becomes addicted to this feeling.

It should be immediately noted: since the statement refers exclusively to the eating of human flesh, and not about the fact of tracking down the victim, killing and subsequent dismemberment, then in the article cannibalism will only be understood as the consumption of human flesh by people. Research serial killers really demonstratethat their brain and psyche are functioning otherwise, including taking pleasure in causing suffering. 

Most reports that cannibalism causes physical addiction do not indicate the source of the information, but several of which appears The name of the therapist at Summit Malibu Treatment Center is Karen Hylen. In the largest medical database PubMed, works by an author with the same name and surname can be found failed. But in the search engine for scientific publications Google Scholar Karen Hilen appears. True, not as the author of the article. Her words are referenced by Shelby Miller of the University of Cincinnati in her 2019 paper, “A Biopsychosocial Model of Cannibalism.” In the article approved, as if Hylen had discovered in her practice that cannibals “report feelings of intense euphoric pleasure that have effects on the brain similar to drug use.” There is no information in the article as a result of what scientific research Hilen obtained this data, but there is a link to the original source of this statement - article 2012 on the Huffington Post by journalist David Moye. The material also contains a link to Karen Hylen’s place of work - Superior Treatment Center in Malibu. Hilen is not listed as an employee, but on her LinkedIn page approvedthat she is currently working there. 

The center’s website is quite interesting; the center’s main activity is the treatment of addictions and mental illnesses. Judging by the information in section "Treatment Services," the center focuses on the treatment of alcoholism, as well as heroin, fentanyl and opioid addictions. Methods practiced include meditation, kundalini yoga and reiki - a pseudoscientific system of healing through the laying on of hands. 

No less interesting is the center’s page showing accommodation options.

“Admire beach views right from our backyard, which features a heated pool and luxurious Jacuzzi. Our living room is bathed in natural light and decorated with Zen-inspired decor for the perfect meditative environment. For residents who prefer privacy, each of our spacious rooms provides the perfect place to relax. Our housekeeper is on site Monday to Friday to keep our facilities in pristine condition, ensuring your room remains your personal oasis throughout your stay." reported in this section. This description and the posted photographs of the institution do not give the impression that, while working in this institution, Karen Hylen could have encountered cannibals. 

A Google search for Karen Hylen reveals her. performance on the American Health Journal program, where she talks about drug addiction treatment, but doesn't say a word about cannibals. There is also it on the Internet quotes about treatment dysmorphophobia (a disorder in which the sufferer is overly concerned about their appearance and may be dependent on plastic surgery), as well as retellings of the original Huffington Post interview posted by the British tabloid Daily Mail and some resource Christian Post. There is no other information on the Internet to confirm Hylen’s expertise in matters of cannibalism.

No truly scientific publications on this topic could be found. In the authoritative magazine Medical News Today, which also has a scientific fact-checking department, in a review material about cannibalism no mention dependencies. Doesn't write Smithsonian magazine also talks about this consequence of eating human flesh. 

Moreover, history knows several cases of forced cannibalism. For example, in 1972 in the Andes suffered a plane with 40 passengers and five crew members crashed. Some of them died immediately as a result of the crash, and several more died in the following days from injuries. The survivors could not wait for help for 72 days and resorted to cannibalism. All 16 rescued people ate human flesh during this time, but there is no information that later at least one of them experienced physical dependence on human meat. Cases of cannibalism have also been documented during Holodomor, hunger in Kazakhstan, blockades Leningrad, Khmer Rouge rule Cambodia. Cannibals were often executed without trial, but it can be assumed that some of those who tried human flesh during these years survived. However, there is no evidence that they subsequently suffered from addiction and somehow showed their inclinations.

Thus, the statement that cannibalism is addictive and akin to drug addiction belongs to a specific person - Dr. Karen Hylen. However, this statement was made not in a scientific journal, but in a journalistic article and was not supported by any facts. Dr. Hylen refers to his experience working in an addiction treatment clinic, although the clinic’s official website does not report that it works with cannibals. Moreover, this institution treats alcohol and drug addiction, including using pseudoscientific methods, which calls into question their competence. Neither scientific works nor cases of real cannibalism confirm that those who have once tasted human meat develop an addiction.

Cover image: Pixabay

Most likely not true

What do our verdicts mean?

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