Shopping Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Shopping addiction or compulsive buying disorder is a serious psychiatric disorder, and one that according to Health line, continues to affect nearly 18 million adults, in US alone. This disorder is symptomatic of those being addicted to shopping and the feeling of fulfilment and the rush it brings them. While most associate shopping disorder with women, the fact remains that both men and women are equally at risk from this disorder.

More often than not, these shoppers feel the urge to purchase or buy something, even purchasing items that they have no use for. And the sad part, is that most of these shopping addicts undergo severe denial that they have a problem and tend to brush off their recent shopping behaviour as a shopping spree. But in truth, this addiction is so pervasive, that some of the addicts would go to any lengths to get their “fix” from shopping and as a result, subject their whole family to extreme financial and emotional stress. This is why it is important to diagnose the condition early on so that the patient can receive adequate and effective treatment in time. Like most addicts, these shopping addicts need to undergo treatment which may include a short stint at a rehab, to wean them away from their addiction.

One of the most common causes for shopping addiction or compulsive buying disorder is the feeling of euphoria which these shoppers experience when purchasing a product. The euphoria is a result of their brain releasing endorphins and dopamine, which results in them experiencing a prolonged ‘euphoria’. As a result, these shoppers get addicted to this ‘high’ and go all out to help recreate the same experience, which is why they often go on shopping sprees. This is not to imply that all those indulging in shopping spree are addicted to shopping, but rather that a few of them may be indulging in the shopping spree because of their compulsive need to shop. This compulsive need can even make them purchase products they do not need, and all in the quest to help recreate the ‘euphoria’. This is why, it is important that those suffering from shopping addiction seek immediate treatment and rehabilitation, at the earliest..

Those addicted to shopping tend to hide their condition from all their loved ones and are quite adept with coming up with convincing explanations for the same. However, here are a few signs that you may want to look out for in your loved ones..

• Obsess over shopping all the time
• Feels the need to shop on a regular basis, almost daily
• Keeps maxing out their credit cards and has outstanding balances for long periods
• Steals, lies in order to shop
• Shops for items that they do not require
• Shows signs of anxiety, when prevented from shopping

Shopping addiction is a serious disorder, even though there is some debate regarding the terminology used to describe the condition, the fact remains that this addiction, like any other form of addiction has serious long-term effect on the addict’s health and wellbeing. It is vital that you take your loved one for some counselling, and effective treatment so that they are able to overcome their compulsive buying disorder. The treatment can involve regular sessions with a counsellor, as well as a short stay at a rehabilitation center and regular sessions post treatment so as to prevent any relapse. It is vital that all measures are taken to prevent any relapse and to avoid getting addicted again..

Often, the treatment may include other family members to provide the patient with the required support, patience and understanding, in order for the same to be effective. It is vital that the patient understands the debilitating nature of their condition and why it is essential for them to forego shopping and return back to their normal life at the earliest..

Apart from behavioural therapy, it is a good idea to put someone else in charge of the finances so that the patient cannot relapse back into their old habit of compulsive shopping. Furthermore, it is vital that the patient undergoes personality building exercises so as to wean them away from their obsession with shopping. It is essential that you cut off the cash flow completely so that the patient would be unable to indulge in shopping and put them under a strict watch so as to prevent a relapse..

As with every addiction, the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms on being prevented from shopping again. These can include anything from –.

• Listlessness
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety

But these symptoms are only temporary and you along with other friends can help your loved one overcome the same. The patient may lash out at you as well as others, but you need to understand that this is on account of the addiction, no more than that..