Shopping Addiction

What are the signs of a shopping addiction? Where can you get help if you are addicted to shopping?

Frustrated shopping is something everyone knows

Strolling through the shops and buying a few things is fun. Sometimes shopping can be really beneficial. Especially when you’re not feeling well, and you can distract yourself in the shops. Frustration shopping is what it’s called. Pretty much all of us know this, and it’s completely normal and okay. However, it becomes dangerous when people regularly try to solve problems by buying things, and frustrating purchases become a habit.

Dangerousness

One danger of shopping addiction lies in its inconspicuousness. In our society, shopping is seen as something positive. The environment thinks it is okay to “treat yourself” in difficult times. Others are less concerned if you spend a lot of time shopping than if you drink a lot of alcohol. As a result, shopping addiction is frequently misdiagnosed, both by the addict and by those around him.

A shopping addiction often leads to financial difficulties, and many of those affected take out loans and get into debt. The money problems that arise can then lead to further challenges, e.g., in the relationship, at work, or in the family.

Shopping sites on the internet can also be a risk for people at risk of shopping addiction because paying by credit card can quickly make them lose track of their own money. The transition from normal shopping behavior to addiction is very fluid and inconspicuous. Therefore, it is all the more important to inform yourself about it and observe your buying behavior.

What exactly is shopping addiction?

Buying addiction is the term used to describe buying consumer goods and services, usually in fits and starts. Unpleasant feelings or stressful situations often precede such a buying attack. By purchasing, the unpleasant feelings are temporarily reduced. The focus is on the act of buying and not on the possession of the things bought. Buying is an attempt to compensate for inner emptiness, a desire for something. This would mean, for example, that someone who feels very lonely tries to combat this feeling of loneliness by shopping.

Tip – When should you worry?

• When you experience shopping as a very strong urge, as something you have to buy.
• When you no longer go shopping to buy something nice, but to feel good.
• When you have the feeling that you can no longer control whether and when you go shopping.
• If you notice a kind of dose increase, i.e. you have to buy more and more or more expensive things so that you feel good again.
• If it makes you nervous when you haven’t bought anything for a while or you know that you won’t be able to go shopping for a few days.
• When you are no longer happy about the things you have bought and they don’t mean anything to you. You just throw them unpacked into your box or maybe even hide them from others.
• If your buying behavior takes up a lot of time and other important areas of life such as school, work, friendships or partnerships are neglected as a result.

If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, you should take a closer look at your buying behavior. Think for yourself about the situations in which you buy something. Maybe you will find out for yourself what replaces buying for you.

Where can I get help for shopping addiction?

Psychotherapy can be beneficial in cases of shopping addiction.

For further help and support  — Speak with a licensed therapist today.