Compulsive Shopping

Definition:

Compulsive spending is an addiction that can cause many issues for not only the addict, but also his/her family and friends. Compulsive shopping is “a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences” (Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, n.d., pg. 1). Compulsive shopping is considered to be an impulse control disorder. It has features similar to other addictions; however it does not involve the use of an intoxicating drug (Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, n.d.). Approximately 2 to 8% of individuals in the United States are thought to be prone to shopping compulsively (Wormer & Davis, 2008). Compulsive shopping is a cycle of spending, which makes the individual feeling happy and gratified. The individual then experiences after effects of remorse and guilt. These negative feelings then drive the individual back to purchasing again. Many compulsive shoppers have co-morbid disorders, such as mood disorders, substance abuse, or eating disorders. This addiction can also affect the individual’s interpersonal, occupational, family, and financial situation in life (Illinois Institute for addiction Recovery, n.d.).   

How to determine if it is an addiction:

If an individual identifies with 4 or more of the following behaviors, this indicates a possible problem with shopping or spending (Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, n.d.).

·         Shopping or spending money as result of feeling disappointed, angry, or scared

·         Shopping or spending habits causing emotional distress in one’s life

·         Having arguments with others about one’s shopping or spending habits

·         Feeling lost without credit cards

·         Buying items on credit that would not be bought with cash

·         Feeling a rush of euphoria and enxiety when spending money

·         Felling guilty, ashamed, embarrassed, or confused after shopping or spending money

·         Lying to other about purchases made or how much money was spent

·         Thinking excessively about money

·         Spending a lot of time juggling accounts or bills to accommodate spending

Treatment:

In order to overcome compulsive shopping, some steps that individuals can take are to “have only one or no credit cards, to shop with cash only, to avoid shopping or buying online, and to exercise when there is an urge to shop (Wormer & Davis, 2008, pg. 311). Individuals who are experiencing compulsive shopping can also receive therapy for their shopping addiction. Because there is often an underlying reason for compulsive shopping, therapists work with the client in order to understand these issues. By understanding these issues that the client may not even be aware of, the client is able to deal with the real problem and can work to improve this issue. In doing this, the individual will be better able to control his/her compulsions (GoodTherapy.org, 2013). There are also groups called Debtors Anonymous (DA), which are becoming more popular in the United States. These groups are compared to AA and NA. The individuals at DA first admit that they have a problem and then work to create a budget and a repayment plan. This group also serves as a support system for the individual (Wormer & Davis, 2013).   

References:

GoodTherapy.org. (2013). Compulsive spending/shopping. Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-compulsive-shopping.html#Therapy for Shopping Addiction

Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery. (n. d.). Shopping. Retrieved from http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/?AID=34

Van Wormer, K., & Davis, D. R. (2008). Addiction treatment: A strengths perspective (2^nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

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