Seven Castles

Shopping Addiction

                                      

May 28, 2008

 

Shopping could be called one of our favorite pastimes. However, for some people, shopping is much more than an enjoyable pastime, and in some cases, it is a real and destructive addiction that can turn into a financial disaster.

 

Shopping addiction is also known as compulsive shopping, compulsive buying or compulsive spending. Defined as something inappropriate, excessive and out of control, it is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. Like other addictions, it basically has to do with impulsiveness and lack of control over one's impulses. This is a very serious addiction and should not be looked upon any differently to any other addiction. It can wreak havoc on a person's life, family and finances.

 

In any case, there are a number of signs to look out for in identifying whether or not you truly are having trouble controlling your shopping: Do you experience a sense of excitement and an elevated mood while shopping? Do people close to you express concern for the amount of time you spend shopping, or the amount of money you spend? Do you find yourself shopping, even though you do not want to or has vowed not to? Does your buying cause debt or financial difficulties?

 

Compulsive shoppers usually experience a feeling of exhilaration, even euphoria, while shopping, followed by guilt, anger or sadness. Often they leave items in their original packaging, unused, piling up in closets and other hidden corners. Some perpetually return items or get rid of them in some other ways.

 

There are a number of possible reasons why people are addicted to shopping. One possibility is that people (most often women) shop in an attempt to pump up their self-esteem - buying things that they think will make them seem more prosperous, more glamorous, more intelligent...whatever. Another possibility is that they use shopping as a cure (retail therapy) for loneliness, sadness or anger. In fact, the correlation between clinical depression and compulsive shopping is strong, and anti-depressant medications have been successful in treating many cases, in combination with therapy and/or self-help groups.

 

Here are some tips to protect yourself if you feel you may be at risk: do not carry credit cards around with you; keep only a limited amount of cash on you - for essentials; do not window shop; do not play games or try to justify purchases; try to avoid advertisements, where possible; plan alternative activities when you would normally be out shopping and talk it over with someone else.

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年05月28日 星期三 05:06】【注册】【打印】