NABHS connects you with treatment options for compulsive buying therapy, including shopping addiction counseling and behavioral therapy for shopping addiction.
What is Shopping Addiction?
Shopping addiction can be characterized by preoccupation with shopping, compulsiveness, and loss of control. This is often linked with high stress levels, social isolation, and extensive leisure time (Niedermoser et al., 2021).
Those who have shopping addiction often feel a level of ‘high’ once they buy something and it is this high that can become addictive. It is possible that the first feeling might have occurred when they were feeling low or stressed and once, they realized that shopping can make them feel better, it becomes a form of addiction.
Is Shopping Addiction a part of DSM V?
No. Shopping Addiction is not a part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) as it is difficult to quantify what constitutes “too much shopping”.
Signs of Shopping Addiction
- Those with shopping addiction will also spend a lot of time and money online or offline on shopping.
- Spending money on shopping without worrying about rent, daily expenditure or savings.
- Uncontrolled desire to keep shopping despite knowing the negative impacts.
- They are also emotionally attached to this shopping experience and will often feel happy or high when they buy something and sad when they cannot purchase something.
- They are preoccupied with shopping.
- They shop whenever they feel low, or any negative emotions as means to feel happy or lift their mood.
- They often lie about their purchases or will hide it as they feel embarrassed or shame about their compulsive behavior.
- They might have no healthy hobbies and will look at shopping as a recreational activity.
- They might ignore responsibilities or family members in order to fulfil their addiction.
- They might even indulge in shoplifting or getting money through unfair means just to get funds for shopping.
Dual Diagnosis
- Shopping addiction can be associated with other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, impulsive behaviors and substance abuse.
- Not everyone with substance abuse will have shopping addiction, but it is common.
Risk Factors and Triggers
There are certain risk factors and triggers that make a person more susceptible to shopping addiction, these include:
- Low self-esteem
- Internet addiction
- Ease of access
- Hedonic motivations
- Lower prices
- Entertainment
Want to check if you have shopping addiction? Check the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale here.
Phases of Shopping Addiction
According to research carried out by Sohn & Choi, 2014, there are 5 stages that compulsive buyers go through-
- Retail therapy
- Denial
- Debt-ridden status
- Impulsive buying
- Full-blown compulsive buying
Treatment
The treatment of shopping therapy can vary from one person to other and depends on the intensity of the addiction, as well.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT offers the individual a chance to change their negative thought patterns and behavior that is associated with compulsive shopping and the urge to shop. It also teaches healthier coping mechanisms and helps in emotional regulation that is not detrimental to your daily life.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) : DBT also helps in managing compulsive urges to shop by combining cognitive-behavioral techniques along with mindfulness practices. DBT is good for those who feel emotions intensely and the goal is to understand and accept your difficult meetings.
- Support Groups : Joining support groups such as Shopaholics Anonymous provides a sense of community and helps treat this addiction. When people hear the struggles of other people who are going through the same thing, it gives them the power to fight through addiction.
- Medication : In some cases, medications might be given to treat the underlying causes such as depression or anxiety that can fuel shopping addiction.
Steps you need to take
- Acknowledge that you have a problem.
- Seek professional help.
- Surround yourself with people who support you and will help you get rid of this addiction.
- Join support groups.
- Create a financial plan.
- Spend your time doing other things that will keep you busy and act as stress busters rather than relying on shopping to relieve stress.
- Exercising and meditation can reduce the reliance on shopping and help in overall health improvement.
Get Help
If you or your loved one is suffering from shopping addiction, get the necessary help today!
At NABHS, we ensure support and help you break out of this addiction ad live a better life where you are not riddled with the guilt of compulsive buying.
