Shopping addiction
Shopping addiction actually has a technical term that is called Omniomania. This means compulsive shopping and is perhaps the most socially reinforced of the behavioral addictions.
A person struggling with shopping addiction becomes caught in a turbulent cycle of self appeasement and debt. Being unable to control the impulse to spend is just as dangerous as not being able to prevent yourself from drinking too much. There are numerous signs and symptoms of this problem.
- The person will hide the shopping purchases from others
- Excessive Credit Cards and Debt
- A closet full of clothes or other items with tags still on them is a sign of excessive spending and compulsive shopping.
- Depression or Anxiety after Shopping
Effects of shopping addiction
- Shopping to heal pain or social anxiety
- Spending too much money when you don’t have money to spend
- Feeling anxious about shopping
- Feeling guilt or anger after shopping and overspending
- Decreased self-esteem as a result of overspending when you intended not to
- Relationship loss as a result of shopping when you were not supposed to or promised that you wouldn’t
Recovery from shopping addiction, much like all other addictions, starts with an understanding of the behaviours. Shopping addiction may be treated with psychotropic drugs and counseling. Following are some treatment options:
- Behavioral therapy –this method of treatment aims to change negative behaviors such as poor spending habits into more positive behaviors.
- Cognitive therapy –this method of treatment aims to help the shopaholic learn how to change their thought processes and stop thinking about shopping
- Financial counseling –this is often necessary to get the compulsive shopper back on track and to stop overspending
- Self-help books –many self-help guides are available to assist shoppers in finding methods of having fun without spending
- Medications –sometimes, shopping is the result of depression, anxiety or another mental illness which is treatable with medication.
- Homeopathy – It offers safe and effective treatment by helping positive changes in mindset and personalities.
- Hypnotherapy – This is one of the most effective treatment by working on deep subconscious mind.