Smooches! It’s your resident Shopping Diva and I want to address a very serious issue – Shopping Addiction. What is Shopping Addiction? Well I would hope that the name says it all, but if you are in denial, I may need to spell it out. Shopping Addiction is very much like a drug addiction. Many people deny they have a problem, but in the end, the addict and those around end up suffering from the outcome.
Those that know anything about drug addiction would understand that it is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge a person’s self control and ability to resist intense impulses urging them to take drugs. The result: A surge of pleasure and sensation, warmness, a sense of well-being.
Shopping Addicts have the same kind of surge in brain chemicals when they anticipate buying something as when (an alcoholic) anticipates drinking,” says April Lane Benson, a psychotherapist who specializes in compulsive shopping and the author of “I Shop Therefore I Am: Compulsive Buying and the Search for Self.” “It’s the anticipation of pleasure that starts the brain rolling. You can see physical symptoms. People might sweat or their heart races.”
How do you identify this issue with yourself or someone you know? Here are some signs:
- Person constantly is floating their credit card bills.
- Addict gets angry when they can’t find or buy something they really want.
- Goes to the store to buy only one thing and end up with 10
- Providing false information to gain additional credit
- Bounces checks often
- Keeps purchases a secret from family
- Retail therapy is the only form of therapy to help with depression
- “Disposable Income” ends up being spending money vs. saving money
- Intended returns end up turning into “merchandise credit” in the addict’s mind and therefore more money is being spent
- Acting defensive and creating excuses to shop
What can a Shopping Addict do to recover?
- First and foremost, enroll a loved one in your mission to kick the addiction!
- Create a budget and stick with it!
- Create a plan to pay off any debt first before introducing any new spending.
- Make a list of need vs. want and then focus on the “need” items.
- Ask yourself useful your purchase will be in the long run.
- Pay by cash! When you do this, it really will keep you in check!
- Bring along a shopping buddy who is practical and can help you through your addiction. Addicts who shop alone tend to do more damage vs. those that have their “conscious” tagging along
- Discount warehouses are dangerous for addicts! Like a kid in a candy store! Would you send a recovering alcoholic to the local liquor store?
- Find alternate ways to satisfy your addiction. For example, perhaps your friends and you can swap clothes (if you wear the same size) after some time. I also love Bag, Borrow, and Steal where you can trade in an old bag for another “pre-owned” mint condition bag. That way you still feel like you got something new without doling out the cash!
- I know this sounds crazy, but try going “window shopping” without cash or credit cards.
- Get involved in some home project to keep you busy and out of the malls!
- If all else fails, then find local support groups that you or your loved one can join to help you through the addiction.
Am I an Addict? Are you an Addict? Perhaps…but every one’s situation is different. Only you or your loved ones will know how this addiction is impacting your day to day life. If you are constantly in debt and finding it hard to make ends meet, then you need to take this seriously.
If you have experienced compulsive shopping or know someone who has and would like to share leave a comment!
