The revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), may be adding a new category: “behavioral addiction.” Behavioral addictions may include addictions to video games, sex, and shopping, and these newly defined additions may impact insurance coverage. Author John R. Ehrenfeld notes this “…is a timely recognition of a deep cultural problem and one… Continue reading Shopper’s Addiction Now Almost "Official"
Category: Compulsive Buying
Are You Addicted to Shopping?
According to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report, “…shopping addictions bring up issues of self-esteem, self-worth, and other hefty feelings,” and it’s a problem with serious ramifications. If you think you may be addicted to shopping, they suggest you ask yourself some of the following questions: Who can I talk to about… Continue reading Are You Addicted to Shopping?
Why Fighting Addiction Can Feel Like a Game of Whac-A-Mole
When you are trying to abstain from an addictive behavior, often another behavior will pop up in its place, says Dr. David Sack in his Addiction Recovery blog. This phenomenon is called cross-addiction: in which an addict attempts to satisfy a craving or perceived need for normalcy by engaging in a new addictive behavior (for example,… Continue reading Why Fighting Addiction Can Feel Like a Game of Whac-A-Mole
Oxygen Announces ‘My Shopping Addiction,’ ‘I’m Having Their Baby’ And More New Shows For Fall 2012
The Oxygen network will be offering a new show this fall entitled “My Shopping Addiction.” The show will cover more than just the thrill of the shopping hunt. It will delve into the subject of shopping as an addiction and the pain this addiction causes individuals as their finances spin out of control. This first-person… Continue reading Oxygen Announces ‘My Shopping Addiction,’ ‘I’m Having Their Baby’ And More New Shows For Fall 2012
Needs vs. Wants
Financial Therapist, Coach, and Mommypreneur Bari Tessler Linden believes we need to clarify the difference between needs and wants if we are to have a healthy relationship with our money. She suggests we start by examining our past, asking ourselves if our needs as a child were met. If not, we may turn to overspending… Continue reading Needs vs. Wants
Shopaholic Says Shoplifting Arrest Was Her Wake-Up Call to Get Help
Ronnie Haring, a 38-year-old mother, is one of 6% of Americans struggling with compulsive buying. She describes the highs she experiences while shopping, as well as the shame she feels after returning home. She incurred thousands of dollars in debt by buying items in bulk: shirts in every color, every scent of hand soap, etc.… Continue reading Shopaholic Says Shoplifting Arrest Was Her Wake-Up Call to Get Help
How to Battle Shopping Addiction
Self-control issues and being surrounded by a culture of materialism contribute to the problem of shopping addiction, according to Terrence Shulman, of the Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft and Spending. Are you unable to stop yourself from buying? Do you have conflicts with your spouse over purchases? Ever lie about what you’ve bought? You may… Continue reading How to Battle Shopping Addiction
Addiction to Shopping — When Spending Spirals Out of Control
Can a person be addicted to shopping? Many mental health professionals would say, “yes;” comparing compulsive shopping to kleptomania, gambling and extreme internet usage. Sometimes shopping is used to make one feel better, and it usually works, until the crash of guilt and anxiety follow. The withdrawal feelings experienced when a shopaholic tries to quit… Continue reading Addiction to Shopping — When Spending Spirals Out of Control
Affordable Romantic Picnic Ideas
What could be better than you and your sweetie sharing wine and cheese in a beautiful natural locale? Myscha Theriault offers some tips to make your picnic perfect. Local parks can be a lovely choice, especially with spring flowers in full bloom. Picnics can be evening events as well, and a campfire for S’mores can… Continue reading Affordable Romantic Picnic Ideas
Review of The Book ‘To Die For—Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?’ by Lucy Siegle
‘To Die For—Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?’ is a thought-provoking, well-researched book concerning the affects of current fashion and rabid consumerism on our societies and on the planet. Jill Chivers, creator of the My Year Without Clothes Shopping website and related program, reviews this book and highlights some startling facts. For instance, much of… Continue reading Review of The Book ‘To Die For—Is Fashion Wearing Out the World?’ by Lucy Siegle