Shopping Addiction-Overcoming The Battle

A shopping addict is a compulsive shopper. Compulsive shoppers become preoccupied with spending and may spend more time shopping than any other occupation.

The experts compare shopping addiction to alcohol and other forms of addictive behaviour.

Shopping addiction usually starts in the late teen years to early adult; it quite often accompanies anxiety disorder, mood and eating disorders.

Shopping addicts are unable to control or stop spending; the compulsion becomes their main way of coping with stress. They use the shopping experience as an escape from other problems that are prohibiting natural responses to stress. Persons suffering from shopping addiction may engage in excessive hoarding. Signs Of Shopping Addiction

• Compulsive shopping

• Inability to stop oneself from making purchases

• Lying about shopping

• Conflict with loved ones over expenditures

• Hoarding

If you know of someone who suffers from shopping addiction, these actions can help him/her: -Be non-judgmental -Give a helping hand -Discuss gifts in advance Treatment Shopping addiction may require some form of therapy, The methods for overcoming it include: -Cognitive behavioural therapy -Financial counseling -Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety. If you are a compulsive shopper, ask your doctor for advice and recommendations. Self-help programs such as shopping anonymous can help the person in a similar way to alcoholic anonymous. If you are a shopping addict you can help yourself by shopping only with friends and relatives who shop wisely. Avoid shopping with those who love to window shop. Read about shopping addiction from USNews & World.

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