A few weeks ago, I was a guest on the Diane Rehm show about shopping addiction, along with a 25 year veteran of Debtors Anonymous and the President of the Financial Therapy Association. I figured we’d be reaching a typical audience of female compulsive buyers that were overspending on clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and personal services and… Continue reading Shopping Addiction and Trains: Brakeman Choo-Chooses a New Route
Category: Compulsive Buying
Handling a Shopping Addiction During the Holidays
Even if the holidays are coming to a close, the season of shopping and spending continues. For serious shopaholics who are looking forward to the end of this time and mindset, this can mean serious trouble. But a shopping addiction is nothing to be laughed at and can have a very real impact on finances… Continue reading Handling a Shopping Addiction During the Holidays
The Little Trick to Make Any Moment Better
When trying to accomplish a task or a goal, built up physical and mental tension can hold you back. Even if you’re just trying to enjoy lunch with friends or a phone call with a family member, you cannot be fully in that moment while you have tension holding you back. Be aware of how… Continue reading The Little Trick to Make Any Moment Better
Compulsive Spending Blends in During Holiday Shopping
It’s no surprise that around the holidays, it is easy to overindulge. We make excuses for eating, drinking, and of course spending too much in the name of the holidays. But for compulsive spenders, this mindset can be incredibly damaging. When everyone is buying more than usual, compulsive shoppers blend in even more and hide… Continue reading Compulsive Spending Blends in During Holiday Shopping
The Devastating Effects of Shopoholism
Just like any addiction or disorder, Shopoholism can have devastating effects on the lives of those who suffer from it. While classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder but not an addictive disorder, Shopoholism has a similar expression. Making a purchase creates a “high,” which is followed by negative feelings of guilt, remorse, and depression often resulting… Continue reading The Devastating Effects of Shopoholism
Are You a Shopaholic?
A Stanford University study conducted in 2006 found that 6% of Americans are shopaholics. Terrence Daryl Shulman, author of three books on the subject, says there are seven different types of shopaholics. The compulsive shoppers distract themselves from their feelings with shopping. The trophy shoppers look for the perfect outfit. The image shoppers buy showy… Continue reading Are You a Shopaholic?
Hoarding and Addiction Help
People with a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) called hoarding are sometimes the subject of ridicule, loathing, and… reality TV shows. In this context, it is hard to see hoarding as a serious mental health issue necessitating particular treatment to address the OCD and the addictive aspects of this disorder. Signs of hoarding disorders include… Continue reading Hoarding and Addiction Help
New TV Show Profiles Compulsive Shoppers
A Las Vegas heiress spends $30,000 a month buying dresses and shoes. A California woman spends $300 a week at a dollar store and has to borrow from friends as she goes into debt. These women and others are featured on Oxygen’s new show called “My Shopping Addiction.” The show also features experts to help… Continue reading New TV Show Profiles Compulsive Shoppers
Why Should I Get Help for Shopping Addiction?
A shopping addiction can lead to financial ruin, legal problems, and destroyed relationships. Shopping addiction can also lead to substance addictions in an attempt to dull the pain and shame. These are all excellent reasons to get help. Addictions have a similar root, as brain chemical releases cause a sense of euphoria that is “chased”… Continue reading Why Should I Get Help for Shopping Addiction?
Give Up or Go On? Eight Unorthodox Suggestions for Handling the Struggle
Jill Chivers, writing on myyearwithoutclothesshopping.com, discusses some helpful ways to make it through what she calls “the struggle times.” Whether dealing with over-shopping, work stress, depression, or other trials and tribulations, she suggests eight ideas for surviving those tough periods in life: 1) don’t make any major decisions, 2) don’t make it worse with other… Continue reading Give Up or Go On? Eight Unorthodox Suggestions for Handling the Struggle