Shopping Addiction is unlike what is typically considered a psychological disorder. After all, we are all encouraged to shop. Shopping is an honorable thing. When we think of addictions, back room gambling and smoke-filled bars come to mind – and of course drug addiction. Not very honorable activities.
Kid in a Candy Store
However, a deeper study of compulsive shopping reveals some basic needs of foraging and locating, hunting and gathering – all accomplished with just a few clicks on the computer or swipes on your phone. Adding to this are more addicting behaviors like the visual impact of images those selections give the buyer. “The kid in a candy store” feeling. Plus experiencing the actual addicting high of making the purchase, resulting in a feeling of victory. Quite often a feeling of guilt follows. Some compulsive buyers return the purchase to satisfy the guilt only to feel more disappointment. This opens the door to another round of online purchasing and spending to make themselves feel better again.
Secret Shopping
Just like other addictions, online compulsive shopping is frequently done in secret. Often while the kids are at school or after they’ve gone to bed – even while at work. This secrecy adds another level of guilt, causing the shopper to “hide” the newly bought items for fear of being caught. It’s not difficult to see where this cycle will end. Credit card problems, relationship issues and even bankruptcy.
The following list may help identify your problems with shopping addiction. Print out this page and answer Yes or No to any of the behaviors listed below:
If you answered Yes to four or more of these behaviors, you have a shopping problem that needs to be addressed.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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