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Shopping Addiction Treatment
Going out to occasionally treat yourself to a shopping spree is harmless, but once it becomes something you can’t control, it’s time to seek proper help. At Sierra Recovery, we offer treatment for shopping addiction, also known as Compulsive Buying Disorder.
When Does Shopping Turn into an Addiction?
Shopping turns into an addiction when you constantly feel like you’re spending too much and have no control over your expenses. The act of going shopping again and again makes you feel guilty, but it seems like there’s no way for you to stop it because it’s become a compulsion. It’s important to understand that this may be a by-product of something deeper that you are struggling with.
Another sign that you’re probably addicted to shopping is when the act of buying is tied to emotions. You may notice that you feel very excited about buying something every time you make a purchase. You may also use shopping to distract yourself from negative emotions.
A preoccupation with shopping also signifies that you may have an addiction. When you don’t actively buy something, then you spend most of your time thinking about the next time you go shopping. You may also spend a significant amount of your time browsing through shops, whether in-store or online.
Why Do I Need Help for Shopping Addiction?
When left untreated, a shopping addiction can have a lot of negative consequences on your life and even on your loved ones. It’s a problem that can easily put you in debt. If other people rely on you for financial support, they become affected by your compulsive shopping.
Dealing with the financial problems that can come with shopping and spending can lead to more problems in the long run. Constantly figuring out ways to pay your credit card or debt can place more stress on your everyday life.
Additionally, the disorder may also be linked to other mental health conditions. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression may all co-occur with a shopping addiction. In some cases, the compulsive need to shop may just be one of the many symptoms that show you’re struggling with this behaviour.
What Causes Shopping Addiction?
Not everyone who enjoys shopping is struggling with an addiction. However, many people are at a higher risk of developing a shopping addiction. These possible causes include:
Neurobiological Factors
One study showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, people with weaker working memory, especially in the area of executive function (planning, decision-making), were more prone to compulsive buying. The study also showed that those who tend to make quick decisions without careful consideration were more likely to engage in compulsive buying.
Low Self-Esteem
Some people who struggle with shopping addiction may do so because they have low self-esteem. They may not be as secure with themselves, so they constantly buy to fill the void. This constant shopping can eventually become problematic and cause serious consequences.
Societal Factors
A shopping addiction may also happen because of different societal factors. Being constantly exposed to materialism and overconsumption can normalise buying too much all the time. Shopping addicts may also feel the need to fit in by buying new things, and so they keep on doing so even if they’re not financially capable.
Emotional Pain
Emotional pain and other negative feelings can also cause a shopping addiction. When a person dealing with emotional pain buys something, they feel a surge of excitement that can temporarily make the emotional pain go away. Since the feeling only goes away temporarily, a shopping addict will continuously purchase things just to numb the pain.
Treatment for Shopping Addiction
At Sierra Recovery, we’re here to help you improve your overall quality of life. Our team uses different techniques to help you be more in control of your future.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is typically the first approach to managing a shopping addiction and overcoming the symptoms that come with it. Therapy will help you identify why you are coping through compulsive shopping and try to address the source of the addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most common psychotherapy used for this disorder. It involves identifying negative thought patterns and behaviours that lead to compulsive buying so that you can develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication
For those with co-occurring mental health disorders, a medical professional may prescribe you the necessary medications to help treat the disorder. This way, you and your doctor can manage the symptoms of the mental health disorder that contributes to shopping addiction. It also makes the recovery process easier and more achievable.
Holistic Approaches
Engaging in different holistic approaches can open doors to new hobbies and show you that there’s more to life than your shopping addiction. At Sierra Recovery, we can introduce you to different holistic approaches, such as yoga, meditation, and equine therapy. Our holistic approaches are here to help you have a more well-rounded recovery.
Group Support
Group support can also be beneficial for people facing a shopping addiction. You can listen to other people’s stories and be inspired by their recovery journeys. Listening to their insights can also help you discover new coping mechanisms that can help you overcome your own symptoms.
How to Stop the Cycle of Compulsive Shopping
If you feel like the cycle of compulsive shopping is taking over your life, then there are different strategies you can try to stop it.
Decrease Access to Shopping
One of the best ways to stop the negative cycle of compulsive shopping is to decrease your shopping access. This could be deleting shopping apps off your phone or limiting the amount of time you spend in shopping malls.
Learn About Your Triggers
Whenever you feel the urge to shop, try to write down why you may feel that way. What are some possible triggers that lead you to want to shop? Learning about these triggers can help you be more mindful of your shopping habits. So, when these emotions arise, it’s best to acknowledge them and look for alternative activities to give you a better sense of accomplishment.
Attend Support Groups
Support groups such as Debtors Anonymous or Spenders Anonymous can help you find a community that is going through the same problems. Joining a support group can also provide accountability, which is helpful if you’re trying to cut back on your shopping.
Seek Professional Help
As always, we recommend that you seek professional help for serious problems like compulsive shopping. Through professional help, you can receive treatment that’s personalised to your specific situation. Therapists can also help you dig deeper and uncover what’s causing your addiction.
Shopping and Dopamine
One of the reasons why shopping can become so addictive is because of the constant dopamine rush you may get when you spend money. There’s a relationship between shopping and the chemicals in your brain that make you feel good.
Each purchase, whether you’re buying in-store or doing online shopping, can create a cycle that’s reinforced by dopamine. Every time you feel good about buying and owning the item, you may constantly look forward to this cycle for the same type of happiness.
This is why shopping addiction is a serious problem. If you constantly rely on impulse buying to feel happy, then it might be time to get help.
Is a Shopping Addiction Curable?
Yes, a shopping addiction is curable, especially with the right treatment plan. Dealing with a shopping addiction can make you feel like there’s no escape from the never-ending cycle. However, with the right help, you can find a way to break free from negative spending habits.
You’ll learn why shopping can be so addictive and how this constant cycle affects you and the people around you. A good treatment programme can help you develop better coping mechanisms to live a more fulfilling life.
Sierra Recovery is here to help you realise that shopping addiction is something that you can successfully overcome. There’s a way out of the misery, and we’re here to support you.
We're Here to Help You Live More Freely
Struggling with a shopping addiction can make you feel like you’re stuck in an endless loop of buying and spending. This can result in financial ruin and difficulty and a life that doesn’t seem meaningful, as if you’re controlled by the compulsive need to shop.
If you feel this way, then Sierra Recovery is here to help. We’re always just a phone call or email away, and we know that what you’re going through is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The consequences of this type of addiction can quickly become serious. Our team is here to help you so that you don’t need to be controlled by the constant need to buy something. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us – there will always be a member of our team who can answer your concerns.
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