Does anyone know people who shops and spend money because he/she is suffering from depression, anxiety, or just plain lonely? Perhaps they are arguing with loved ones about their shopping and spending habits? If individuals are showing any of these signs, then they are referred to as compulsive shoppers and spenders.
Having a compulsive shopping and spending problem is bigger than most people think. Basically, it is an addiction, just like having a habit of using drugs or drinking alcohol. This is a problem that hits close to home to many people, including one of my family members. She spends money on things that she does not want; she may make a statement such as, “Although it was very ugly, I had to buy it because it cost only one dollar.” We often get into arguments with her about spending and shopping too much. She is in total denial about her problem.
The following are some of the signs that may represent an individual being a compulsive shopper and spender:
Having a budget crunch: Many people are very guilty of this: breaking the budget. As a result, individuals end up spending more than he/she should have. Of course, when spending beyond one's means, it can mean so many financial disasters.
Shopping and buying at a compulsive rate: Suppose that a person goes into a store just to purchase one package of printing paper. Instead of buying the one package, he/she comes out of the store with ten packages of printing paper.
Chronic situation: Like drug and alcohol addiction, compulsive shopping also creates addicts. As time go on, this problem will progress for the worse. Many people think that it is just a one-time event. They are wrong. Compulsive shopping and spending occurs throughout the year and years to come without treatment.
The Reality of consequences: Who wants to hear that word? Almost no one, if they do not want to come to terms about his/her behavior. Even with spending and shopping to the extreme, there are consequences. Unless compulsive individuals are able to acknowledge the problem, the chances of recovery are very slim.
For those people who are ready to admit to their compulsive-spending problem, there is a program called the Stopping Overshopping Program, which was created by Dr. April Benson. The purpose of this program is to allow compulsive shoppers to break the addiction.
There is another alternative to kicking this addiction. If anyone needs to find a reputable treatment program for compulsive spending and/or shopping, he/she can call Recovery Connection at 1-800-49-DETOX.
Source:
http://www.recoveryconnection.org/addiction/compulsive_shopping.php
