Shopping Addictions

What is compulsive shopping?

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?

Compulsive Shopping seems to be associated with:

• Emotional deprivation in childhood
• Inability to tolerate negative feelings, pain, loneliness, boredom, depression, fear, anger
• Need to fill an inner void – empty and longing inside
• 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
• Collector shoppers

Suggestions for change:

• Reduce temptations
• 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 folks, take a trusted friend
• Wait so many hours before purchase
• Do you need this or do you just want it?
• Develop other ways to handle emotions
• Develop fun things to do
• Learn to ride through urges and preoccupations
• Develop habits in stores