Does Shopping Addiction Real?
A shopaholic is an individual considered to be addicted to shopping. (Wikipedia). Women who are addicted to shopping are women who shop compulsively and who may feel they have no control over their behavior.
More than 6% of Americans are shopaholics. And as retailers increase their promotions on TV and appear more intense online, this number is likely to increase. In American society, the phrase "shop until you drop" translates as fun, but when spending causes real problems, luxury fades away.
When your shopping activity changes from being impulsive to compulsive, you will face a more serious condition: shopping addiction.
Psychologists refer to it as compulsive buying disorder, and it is characterized by impulse control problems, such as addiction to gambling or binge eating. Compulsive buying disorder can potentially create emotional and financial stress for you.
Shopaholic Definition
The meaning of a shopaholic is an addictive behavior where people shop compulsively to release negative emotions such as pain, anxiety, and sadness. Women suffering from shopping addiction tend to feel preoccupied with shopping, have an uncontrollable urge to shop and spend more time and money on shopping than on more important activities. Shopping addiction can be effectively cured by using cognitive methods and behavioral psychotherapy, to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause addiction.
There are various types of shopping addictions, and they are as follows:
- A shopaholic who pursues the image of a big spender and loves expensive and luxurious things.
- Bargain hunters who buy items they don't need because they're on sale.
- Compulsive shopaholics when they are emotionally stressed
- Collectors who don't feel complete, unless they have one item in each color or every part of a set.
- Bulimia shoppers are trapped in a vicious cycle of buying and returning.
What Causes a Shopping Addiction?
Some people suffer from shopping addiction because they are addicted to it by nature. So how do they feel when they shop? When they shop, their brain releases endorphins and dopamine, and over time, these feelings turn into addictions. A professor of applied health sciences, Engs claims that 10% to 15% of the population may have a predisposition to feeling this way.
Shopping Addiction Symptoms
In some cases, it can be difficult to tell whether you or a loved one are a shopaholic. Many people love shopping, and many people spend too much money doing this shopping activity. It's important to remember that occasionally shopping doesn't make you a shopping addict. However, there are some signs and symptoms exhibited by shopping addicts that you should know about.
1. You frequently buy things that you don't need or plan to buy.
2. You're easily tempted by the things you can do without, like: a sixth candle for your bedroom closet, or a new iPod box, even though yours is fine.
3. You're especially vulnerable if you admit to having an "obsession," like the latest designer shoes or handbags.
Just because your spending tends to stick to one category doesn't make it more rational.
4. You Feel a Strong Urge to Shop
You feel compelled to go shopping, even when you don't need anything.
It's only after you've shopped that you feel fine again, but your mind forces you to shop again, and you get satisfaction after that. It's a sign of a strong shopping addiction.
5. If you can't buy something that you want, you feel like something is missing or you're upset.
Let's say you see a beautiful dress, which you feel you should have. But you can't afford the dress, and the shop owner won't let you pay in installments. Then you beg the shop owner to let you pay for it this way because you think that if you don't buy the challenge, it's going to hurt.
And you end up buying the dress, it's not long before you find something new again, that you want to buy. This is a continuous cycle.
6. You have a lot of unopened groceries in your cupboard
We're not talking about the dresses your aunt gave you last holiday season, but about items you've handpicked, unopened, or with labels still on. You may have missed some of these purchases.
7. You feel restless on days you don't shop.
It's natural to feel like something's missing if you haven't had your morning coffee, however, if you're feeling restless from not swiping through your debit card all day, it's time to worry. Shopaholics have reported that they feel "uncomfortable" if they don't add to their shopping pleasure, and they even admit to shopping online if they can't physically let go of their desire.
8. Frustration can trigger a desire to shop.
Compulsive shopping is an attempt to fill human emotional emptiness, such as loneliness, lack of control, and self-confidence. Shopaholics have the predisposition to develop mood disorders, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems. So, if you tend to eat comfort food after a bad day, chances are you're going to be shopping too.
9. You Feel Regret Or Guilt After Making Your Purchase
Many shopaholic sufferers feel a sensation of joy when shopping or buying something. However, their "high" purchases quickly dissipate, and they are left with feelings of regret, guilt, and frustration because they are unable to control their spending habits.
Despite experiencing feelings of remorse, shopaholics are quick to defend themselves and rationalize their purchases when judged.
10. You try to hide your shopping habits
If you hide grocery bags in your daughter's closet, or constantly look behind you, to see co-workers pass by, while you are shopping online at the office, this is a sign that you are spending money at the expense of your family, loved ones or your job.
11. You are spending more than you can afford
Your shopping behavior can cause debt. Perhaps that problem is preventing you from breaking the pay-to-pay life cycle. Or perhaps your spending behavior is preventing you from saving or achieving your financial goals.
Have you experienced any of the signs above? If so, figuring out what drives you to shop can be a big step in helping you overcome your shopping addiction, and save you even more money.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Shopping Addiction
The short-term effects of shopaholics may be positive. In many cases, you may feel happy and satisfied when you are done shopping.
However, these feelings are often mixed with anxiety or guilt, and in many cases, guilt or anxiety can prompt you to return to the store for more.
The long-term effects of shopping addiction can vary in intensity and scope. Many shopaholics face financial problems, and they may be overwhelmed with debt.
In some cases, they might just max out their credit card, but in other cases, they might take out a second mortgage on their home, or charge purchases to their business credit card. If you are addicted to shopping, your relationships may be disturbed. You may end up in divorce, or distance yourself from your parents, children, or loved ones.
- nauseous
- Inability to fall asleep at night
- Feeling tired or very tired
- Headache
- Feeling anxious
- Unexplained sweat
Ideally, you should talk to your doctor about possible side effects before you start taking any medication.
Drug Overdose
If your doctor decides to perform shopping addiction treatment with medication, you should always take your medication as directed. If you take too many prescription drugs, you may be at risk of an overdose.
Depression and Shopping
Almost 70% of all shopping addiction sufferers struggle with depression or anxiety. To treat your shopping addiction effectively, you may also need to address your other mental health issues. Ideally, when looking for a shopping addiction treatment program, you should try to find a treatment program that can address this aspect of your addiction.Shopping Addiction Help
It's not good to feel out of control or stressed from spending too much. It's not fun to lose people close to you, because of the fights that may result from your shopping addiction. If you, or a loved one, are struggling with a shopping addiction, it's time to get help now.
Be Aware of Your Triggers: identifying habitual triggers is not always as easy as it seems. If you keep a journal of what happens in the lead-up to shopping, then you can start narrowing down the triggers and finding different solutions for them like calling a friend, taking a shower, going for a walk, or whatever. interesting to you.
Summary
Recognizing the common signs of a shopaholic and acknowledging that you have a problem is the first step. As with any addiction, rejection is a big part of the process and many people have to hit rock bottom before they can accept that their spending behavior is negatively impacting their lives.
It's not too late to make positive changes. You deserve to have an extraordinary life experience.
Life is to be lived, not spent. And through your healing journey, you will discover that a beautiful life is not found in buying more things or spending more time shopping.
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