Nowadays society reinforces shopping. Advertisements tell us that purchase will make us happy. Politicians urge us to spend for boosting the economy. Our buying capacity has become a degree of our social worth. So, is shopping a true addiction? Is there any difference between usual shopping activity and shopping addiction? Shopping undertaken to buy things you need is a constructive process, while done to excess, it could be converted into compulsive shopping or shopping addiction leading to the bad consequences. Compulsive shopping occurs when people "shop till they drop".
The shopping addict is preoccupied with the process more than the acquisition itself. Shopaholic looks forward to shopping, he feels great and enjoys doing activity and it does help to overcome depression and cheer up. The shopping addicts being unable to decide their problems repressed them by shopping. They use shopping as a way of coping with stress, anxiety, boredom, self-critical thoughts, and anger.
Unfortunately, the escape is not long-lived. Shopping can’t help to heal the regrets, stress, and the daily life problems as well. It even makes situation worse because of the financial debts. Then the feeling of guilt leads to more depression and another round of shopping. This cycle downward is the peculiarity of any addiction.
Shopaholics even don't care about their purchases. Women, for example, often have lots of new clothes with tags; yet never take them out of the closet. Such shopaholics are prone to shop in secret and hide bought goods as relationships with family become under strain. They are ashamed to shop with people who don’t share their shopping enthusiasm.
Generally, the consequence of shopping addiction can be disruptive. It can destroy relationships and wreck families, and lead to financial troubles, anxiety, and frustration.
Researches cite that about three-quarters of shopaholics confess that their shopping is problematic, especially in areas of finances and relationships. It is recommended that addicts look for professional guidance to deal with shopping addiction. Also, there is a range of treatments to escape from shopping addiction, such as medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups, books as well.
A person may also ask to get financial counseling, particularly if one has run up debts. It is better to refrain from using of credit cards, avoid discount sales, and allocate only a certain amount of cash to be spent.
Shopping only with friends or relatives is also a good idea, as they can support you to cut your spending. It is essential to find alternative leisure activity to breaking the vicious circle of using shopping as a way to cheer up. Let’s go to walk or do exercise when the craving to shop comes on.
