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when is shopping an addiction?

By on December 23, 2013
Excited Women Shopping With Shopping Bags

A large percentage of us women LOVE to shop. Freshening up our homes and our wardrobes, and buying things to brighten up our children’s lives can truly lift our spirits. But when has a love of shopping become a liability for us and even for those around us?

by Editor, Natalie Hughes

I admit it: I am a shopper. I have even spent the greater part of my career years working directly with retail right in the thick of the most tempting places: malls, strip centres and superstores. I love a sharp new top, a trendy pair of shoes and especially fresh new pieces for my pretty living areas. So when I got the idea of writing a piece about shopping addiction, I was a little hesitant to read the evidence against me. Am I addicted to shopping? Well, here goes…

Donald Black, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine states, simply: “Compulsive shopping and spending are defined as inappropriate, excessive, and out of control.”

As with every addiction, “shopoholism” — even at the dire expense of our finances, our long-term happiness and our relationships — appears to make no sense. Why shop until you actually drop?  Recent research suggests that endorphins and dopamine, naturally occurring in the brain, get switched on when we find the perfect item and swipe the credit card. That feels good, and if it feels good we want more.

So where does my shopping cross the line and become addiction?  I did my homework, and so here are a few questions I asked myself (and you can ask yourself, if you are so inclined) according to a list of signs from Ruth Engs, EdD, professor of applied health science at Indiana University:

 

Are you spending over your budget or above your income level? The normal shopper knows when she can’t afford a purchase. Someone who has an addiction, however, will spend anyway.

Are you buying compulsively? This may be you if you routinely go into the mall for one thing and come out with many unplanned purchases.

Is it a continuous problem? If it seems to be regular and chronic (i.e. more than two or three months of the year) you may fall into this category.

Do you hide your purchases, afraid you’ll be criticized? This includes secret credit card accounts, too.

Do you find yourself in a cycle of buying, having remorse, and then returning items? If you are a constant refunder, debt may not be an issue but it doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem. (this can be known as shopping bulimia, to put the behaviour into perspective)

Is your shopping hurting any of your relationships? Covering up debt with deception can be hurtful and damaging in your intimate relationships, especially with spouses.

Do you ignore the clear consequences of shopping over your budget? You may find yourself aware of the negative impact that excessive shopping is having in your life and happiness, but continue to spend.

 

After giving myself an honest answer to each question, I can say I don’t think I’m an actual shopping addict. Although my closet is full, my finances are in order and I’m not hiding anything from the hubby.

If, however, you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may want to consider seeking out some of the great help available. Finding psychologists that specialize in shopping and hoarding addictions in your area is an excellent place to start, as well as getting some unbiased financial help to tackle any debt you may have begun to build up.

 

Some information for this article was compiled with thanks from WebMD

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