spending addiction

Compulsive shopping and spending is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. It is defined as an impulse control disorder and has features similar to other addictive disorders without involving use of an intoxicating drug.

Behaviors typical of compulsive shopping and spending include the following:

Shopping or spending money as a result of feeling disappointed, angry or scared

Shopping or spending habits causing emotional distress in one's life

Having arguments with others about one's shopping or spending habits

Feeling lost without credit cards

Buying items on credit that would not be bought with cash

Feeling a rush of euphoria and anxiety when spending money

Feeling guilty, ashamed, embarrassed or confused after shopping or spending money

Lying to others about purchases made or how much money was spent

Thinking excessively about money

Spending a lot of time juggling accounts or bills to accommodate spending

Identification of four or more of the above behaviors indicates a possible problem with shopping or spending.

Problems of Shopping Addiction

Compulsive shopping or spending may result in interpersonal, occupational, family and financial problems in one's life. In many ways the consequences of this behavior are similar to that of any other addiction.

Impairment in relationships may occur as a result of excessive spending and efforts to cover up debt or purchases. Persons who engage in compulsive shopping or spending may become pre-occupied with that behavior and spend less and less time with important people in their lives. They may experience anxiety or depression as a result of the spending or shopping which may interfere with work or school performance.

Financial problems may occur if money is borrowed or there is excessive use of credit to make purchases. Often the extent of the financial damage is discovered only after the shopper or spender has accumulated a large debt that necessitates a drastic change in lifestyle to resolve.

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