Shopping Addiction
The struggles of a shopaholic are often played for comedic effect, like in the recent hit movie and novel of the same name, Confessions of a Shopaholic. Then there was Sex & the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and her compulsion for designer shoes, whether or not she could afford them. For those battling a shopping addiction, though, the urge to splurge is anything but funny.
According to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, “Compulsive shoppers had positive feelings associated with buying, and they also tended to hide purchases, return items, have more family arguments and possessed more maxed-out credit cards.”
The researchers found that in the population they studied, approximately 8.9 percent were compulsive shoppers.
Compulsive shopping and spending creates:
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Shame
- Family conflict
- Relational distress
- Over-shopping
- Overspending
- Financial devastation
It is also linked with such illegal activities as shoplifting and employee theft.
That paints a pretty grim picture, but recovery is possible. Shopping addicts must first recognize their compulsive behaviors and seek help. As with any other addiction, it’s important to get to the root of the problem before true change can happen. Only then can they begin to repair the financial damage and create a plan to eliminate debt.
Signs of Shopping Addiction
- Hiding purchases
- Spending over budget
- Compulsive buying
- Shopping as a result of a feeling (anger, depression, anxiety, loneliness)
- Feeling lost without credit cards
- Describing a rush or euphoria with spending
- Feeling guilty, ashamed or embarrasses after a spree
- Lying about how much was spent
- Spending a lot of time juggling accounts or bills to accommodate spending
Shopping Addiction Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with shopping addiction, please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5635. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about shopping addiction treatment as well as substance abuse addiction.
