Compulsive shopping can be defined as excessive, out-of-control, and inappropriate. Just like any other addict, compulsive shoppers do so because they cannot stop themselves. They feel that they have to shop; it’s a lack of control over their impulses. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes it originally, but shopaholics will go on sprees to compensate for emotional distress they may be experiencing, and use shopping as a coping and soothing mechanism. People with this kind of problem get a genuine high from buying things – it causes feel-good chemicals such as endorphins and dopamine to be released in their brains, reinforcing the behavior.
How can I tell if compulsive shopping is a problem?
There are several ways to distinguish between regular, normal, once-in-a-while shopping binges and true compulsive shopping. Real shopaholics:
Get a feeling of euphoria after a spending binge, which then gives way to guilt, shame, or embarrassment.
Buy way more than they intend to, such as meaning to buy one outfit and coming home with a new wardrobe.
Don’t recognize the boundaries of a budget, often spending far beyond their means and putting themselves into massive debt.
Are chronic spenders, continually purchasing items – not just an occasional spending spree.
May feel compelled to hide their problem, especially if someone close to them has expressed a fear about it. They may have secret credit card accounts that a spouse isn’t aware of until the debt is so overwhelming that the shopaholic has no choice but to admit to it.
May own up to making purchases, but lie about how much those purchases actually cost.
Feel a loss of control, knowing deep down that there’s a serious problem, but feeling powerless to stop it.
Suffer from impaired relationships. They may spend excessive time away from home shopping, or isolate themselves from friends and family in order to hide their addiction and avoid someone questioning them.
Are caught in a “circle” of sorts: they dramatically overspend and put themselves deeply into debt, so they feel bad. Since they feel bad, they dramatically overspend to make themselves feel better – and then they feel bad again, so they spend again.
Usually use credit rather than cash, so that the amount they’re spending isn’t readily apparent until the statement comes in the mail.
Feel lost and helpless without their credit cards, and bitterly unhappy when they try to curb their spending habits.
May have closets and drawers full of items that they’ve bought and never even worn, opened, or used.