We all shop for many reasons but the addict buys to relieve anxiety and over time the buying creates a dysfunctional lifestyle and more and more of their focus is on shopping and sometimes the cover-up too.

What causes it?

• Emotional deprivation in childhood
• Inability to tolerate negative feelings
• Need to fill an inner void
• Excitement seeking
• Approval seeking
• Perfectionism
• Genuinely impulsive and compulsive
• Need to gain control

Types of Behaviors:

• Compulsive shoppers – shop to distract feelings; “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”
• Trophy shoppers – find the perfect accessory for outfits, etc. High class items will do.
• Image shoppers – pick up tab, expensive cars, highly visible stuff
• Bargain shoppers – buy stuff they don’t need just because it is a good deal. Out for the hunt.
• Codependent shoppers – to gain love and approval
• Bulimic Shoppers—buy and return, buy and return (similar to actual bulimia)
• Collector Shoppers—have to have complete or many sets of objects or different colors of same style of clothing

Suggestions for change:

• Avoid people or places which tempt you to shop/spend
• Cut up plastic; close charge accounts; rip up credit card offers and home equity applications
• Make lists before going to the store; buy what you need only – call support people, take a trusted friend
• Wait a good period of time before you make an impulsive purchase
• Ask yourself: Do I need this or do I just want it?
• Develop better ways to manage difficult emotions
• Develop fun things to do to fill in your time better
• Seek out specialized counseling, medication, support groups, read books about compulsive shopping/spending
• Be aware of events that trigger urges to shop
• Cancel magazine subscriptions or e-mail subscriptions and block certain Internet shopping sites or TV shopping channels

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Are you a Compulsive Buyer?

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What is Compulsive Shopping?