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Are your shopping habits affecting your finances, work, or relationships? Have you tried to limit your shopping but just can't? It might be time to get help.
What is shopping addiction?
Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying or oniomania, is a psychological problematic behavior. An individual with a shopping addiction feels an irresistible pull to make purchases and spend money, often in ways that are detrimental to their financial, social and personal lives. This behavior goes beyond regular consumption and becomes coping mechanism for emotional problems, stress, or low self-esteem. It can lead to severe consequences financially, emotionally, and socially.
Is shopping addiction a diagnosis?
Shopping addiction is not an official medical diagnosis according to the diagnostic references such as DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), but it is a topic that has received significant attention in research and healthcare. Whether it is a diagnosis or not, shopping addiction is a problem behavior that can be addressed through therapy.
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Causes of shopping addiction
Shopping addiction has a wide range of potential causes. Genetics, social factors such as marketing and peer pressure, biological predisposition, and temperament may all play a role in who becomes addicted. Shopping is sometimes used as a coping mechanism for underlying diagnoses such as anxiety or depression, and may occur in the context of a mania episode for someone with bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of shopping addiction
Symptoms of a shopping addiction can include:
- Irresistible urge to shop: An overwhelming urge or compulsion to buy things, even when there is no need or financial room for it.
- Emotional fulfillment: Shopping is used as a way to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or loneliness.
- Post-purchase guilt: After shopping, the individual may feel guilt, shame or regret, but the behavior continues despite these feelings.
- Financial problems: Continued shopping despite financial difficulties or indebtedness as a direct consequence of the purchases.
- Conflicts in relationships: The shopping behavior may lead to conflicts with family members or friends, often because of the financial consequences.
- Hiding the behavior: The person may hide the purchases, the amounts they spend, or the number of items purchased from loved ones.
- Dependence on the emotion: A feeling of euphoria or excitement during the purchasing process itself, followed by an emotional ‘hangover.’
Treatment for a shopping addiction
Treatment for a shopping addiction involves a combination of strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms and help individuals develop coping strategies. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), offers tools to manage triggers and stress, while support groups can provide peer support. Motivational interviewing is another type of treatment that empowers individuals to capitalize on their strengths to change. Digital tools such as apps can also support the process with daily tips and progress tracking. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet contribute to overall wellbeing and mitigate withdrawal symptoms. These treatments are tailored to the individual’s specific needs and situation, and success may require patience and multiple attempts. Professional help can increase the chances of overcoming the addiction.
Treatment with CBT online
Lavendla therapists offer sessions exclusively online via our secure video conferencing platform. You can search our therapists’ profiles for someone who specializes in CBT and has experience treating addictions.Â
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Reach your goals
Our therapists know that it is a huge step for someone to ask for help for a shopping addiction. By working with a psychologist or therapist, you can begin to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is crucial for long-term change. Your therapist will be there to support and encourage you as you take a step of faith into new territory. You won’t be making changes alone – you’ll have a therapist right beside you.
Take the next step
If you are experiencing signs of addiction that are affecting your physical, emotional, and psychological health, it’s not too late. Contact one of our qualified therapists today.
If you’re ready, we are too!
When you feel it’s time to address your shopping addiction, we have qualified therapists who can help. Because therapy is confidential, you can feel sure that you can share your thoughts and feelings without consequences. Our core principle is to make the difficult easier for you.
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12 common questions and answers about shopping addiction
What is shopping addiction?
Shopping addiction is a complex psychological condition in which the individual feels an inability to stop spending money on various services and items despite negative consequences.
Is shopping addiction a disease?
Shopping addiction is not an official medical diagnosis, but regardless of whether it is a diagnosis or not, it can be a problem behavior for which you may need to seek help.
Can shopping addiction be cured?
All types of addiction can be treated with long-term care and support. It is possible to change your patterns and improve your quality of life.
What are the signs that I may be a shopping addict?
Symptoms include an excessive compulsion to shop, obsessive thoughts about shopping, and an inability to stop or limit shopping habits.
What are the risks of shopping addiction?
The potential risks range from major debt problems to poor physical and mental health, unemployment, and loss of relationships.
How can I help a family member with a shopping addiction?
The first step is to offer your support, encourage them to seek professional help and stand by them during treatment. Seek information about the problem if you find it difficult to understand.
What treatment options are available?
There are several different types of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and support groups.
Can you have another mental health problem at the same time as being addicted to shopping?
Individuals with shopping addictions may have additional or underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem and loneliness.
What can be done in case of relapse?
Relapse is part of the recovery process for many people. The most important thing is to remain accountable and get back on track as soon as possible following a relapse.
What resources are available?
In addition to our professional therapists and psychologists, there are many websites, books, and support groups that can offer additional information and support.
Can I be treated online?
Yes, all Lavendla therapists provide sessions via our secure video conferencing platform.
How important is the support system around a person with an addiction?
A strong support system is often crucial to successful recovery. This includes not only professional help like therapists and doctors, but also family and friends who provide emotional and practical support. A good support system can help reduce the risk of relapse and help the person maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Treatment steps to improve quality of life
Treatment for a shopping addiction often involves a combination of therapeutic strategies and support tailored to the individual’s specific needs and situation. Here is a description of what a typical treatment process might look like:
- Evaluation and diagnosis
The first step is often a thorough evaluation by a licensed psychologist or qualified therapist. - Treatment planning
An individual treatment plan is created, which often includes different treatment methods such as psychotherapy, drug treatment, and sometimes even self-help groups. - Psychotherapeutic treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly recommended method. It involves working with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the addiction. Relapse prevention is also usually part of the treatment. - Follow-up and Maintenance
Long-term treatment and follow-up are often necessary to prevent relapse. This may include regular meetings with health care providers and continued participation in support groups. - Lifestyle changes
Changes in lifestyle, including work, leisure, and relationships, are often necessary to support long-term recovery.
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