What is a shopping addiction?

What is a shopping addiction?


Shopping - addiction is a behavioral addiction that involves compulsive buying as a way to feel good and avoid negative feelings, such as anxiety and depression. Like other behavioral addictions, shopping addiction can take over as a preoccupation that leads to problems in other areas of your life.
Oniomania (compulsive shopping, or what's more commonly referred to as shopping addiction) is perhaps the most socially acceptable addiction. Think about it: We are surrounded by advertising that tells us that buying will make us
happy.


We are encouraged by politicians to spend as a way of boosting the economy. And, for some of us, there is an allure of wanting what everyone else seems to have. Consumerism, by our own intentions or not (or some combination), has become a measure of social worth.
Almost everyone shops to some degree, but only about 6% of the U.S. population is thought to have a shopping addiction.
Although widespread consumerism has escalated recently, shopping addiction is not a new disorder. It was recognized as far back as the early nineteenth century and was cited as a psychiatric disorder in the early twentieth century.

Signs of Shopping Addiction

Signs that a person might have a shopping addiction include:

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  Always thinking about things they plan to purchase
  
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  Being unable to stop their compulsive shopping
  
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  Experiencing a rush of euphoria after buying something
  
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  Feeling regret or guilt about things they have purchased
  
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  Financial problems or an inability to pay off debts
  
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  Lying about things they have bought or hiding their purchases
  
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  Opening new credit cards without paying off balances on existing cards
  
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  Purchasing things they don't need
  
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  Shopping when they are stressed or sad
  

People who struggle with shopping addiction typically spend more time and money on shopping than they can afford, and many get into financial problems as a result of their overspending.
Shopping addiction can involve impulsive and compulsive spending, producing a temporary high. People addicted to shopping often feel empty and unsatisfied with their purchases when they get home.
Items purchased during a compulsive shopping spree are often hoarded unused, and compulsive shoppers begin to plan their next spending spree. Most shop alone, although some shop with others who enjoy it. Generally, shopping with people who don’t share this type of enthusiasm for shopping will lead to embarrassment.