Love to Shop a Little Too Much? You Might Have a Shopping Addiction

Shoes. Clothes. Handbags. Let’s face it: shopping can definitely be a pleasurable pastime, and one that many men and women pursue with a vengeance! From movies to magazines and television shows, consumers are continually encouraged to “shop until they drop”, which some individuals taking this creed a little too close to heart.

Yet if you love to shop a little too much – for example, you’re mired in credit card debt, can’t go to the mall without spending money you don’t have, or shop to give yourself an incredible high – then you may be suffering from a shopping addiction known as shopoholism. As much as people may joke about being addicted to shopping, this is no laughing matter; a shopping addiction is a real psychological problem that has the power to ruin relationships and destroy lives.

So how can you tell if you are a compulsive shopper – and where can you seek help if it’s a problem?

Just like with drug addicts and alcoholics, shopping addicts get an incredible thrill from shopping, as it offers a euphoric pick-me-up. They tend to buy things that they don’t need just for the thrill of experiencing this drug-like high; in fact, many shopping addicts will have clothing items or other purchases with the tags still attached hanging in their closets. Many shopping addicts even experience a blackout period when going on a shopping binge.

Like with most addicts, real shopoholics are notorious for not only being in denial about their unhealthy addiction to spending; they’re also reluctant to deal with any subsequent financial problems. Unfortunately, many psychologists feel that this unhealthy behavior is only further spurred on by glamorized shopping sprees featured in television and movies, which only further convinces the shopping addict that their behavior is not only justified – it’s expected. In this case, addicts face an untold amount of pressure to continue with their unhealthy spending habits.

Do these scenarios sound all too familiar? If this is the case, you don’t have to hide from your addiction – instead, therapy can help you deal with the root of your destructive financial habits. Since many shopping addicts deal with co-current addictive behaviors (such as OCD, drugs, alcohol, etc.), it many be beneficial to seek professional therapy in order to prevent the chances of relapse. Additionally, there are plenty of self-help groups that can help your come to grips with your addiction.

While on the road to recovery, it’s important to let your family and friends know that you’re dealing with a powerful addiction, and they should be as supportive of you as possible – after all, shopoholism is a genuine addiction that’s only recently come to the forefront of psychological study. Let your family know that they can help you on the road to recovery by:

• Helping you to destroy all credit cards except for one, which should be used only in the case of an emergency;
• Encouraging you to window shop only during the night, when the shops are closed. If you do walk through the mall when the stores are open, have a family member or friend accompany you to make sure you don’t go on another binging spree;
• Restricting any shopping TV channels. These provide too much temptation for recovering addicts. Additionally, have a family member install a site-restricting program on your computer that prohibits you to visit retail websites.

Having an addiction to shopping is not glamorous, nor is it a laughing matter. Seek help from a therapist, counselor or a self-help group if you feel like your spending is out of control, and don’t be afraid to ask your family members and loved ones for much-needed support.