Q: What is compulsive shopping and spending?
A: Compulsive shopping and spending is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. It is defined as an impulse-control disorder and has features similar to other addictive disorders without involving use of an intoxicating drug.
Behaviors typical of compulsive shopping and spending include the following:
Identification of four or more of the above behaviors indicates a possible problem with shopping or spending.
Compulsive shopping or spending may result in interpersonal, occupational, family and financial problems in one's life. In many ways, the consequences of this behavior are similar to that of any other addiction.
Impairment in relationships may occur as a result of excessive spending and efforts to cover up debt or purchases. Persons who engage in compulsive shopping or spending may become preoccupied with that behavior, spending less and less time with important people in their lives. They may experience anxiety or depression as a result of the spending and shopping, which may interfere with work or school performance.
Financial problems may occur if money is borrowed or there is excessive use of credit to make purchases. Often the extent of the financial damage is discovered only after the shopper or spender has accumulated a large debt that necessitates a drastic change in lifestyle to resolve. Recovery groups such as Debtors Anonymous have formed to help compulsive shoppers and spenders return to normal, appropriate patterns of buying.
Q: What makes compulsive shopping and spending addictive?
A: There are many social and cultural factors that tend to increase the addictive potential of shopping and spending. The easy availability of credit and the focus of society on material goods in general encourage people to accumulate possessions in the short term and worry about financial responsibility later.
Society places a strong emphasis on one's outer appearance, and media personalities promote spending money to achieve a certain look that is purported to bring about happiness. In addition, the accessibility of purchasing has been made easier with the arrival of online shopping and television programs devoted to buying goods 24 hours a day. Such items can be purchased and ordered by express delivery to arrive quickly without the buyer's having to leave home or personally interact with anyone else. To those most vulnerable, this easy and instant gratification can become a powerful habit.
Shopping and spending activity itself is associated with a feeling of happiness and power that is immediately gratifying. The aftereffects of remorse and guilt drive the spender to purchase again to be able to achieve that brief but intense emotional high. Research has shown that many compulsive shoppers and spenders also suffer from mood disorders, substance abuse or eating disorders. As with any addiction, the person becomes dependent on the behavior to relieve negative feelings that cause them distress and discomfort.
There is help for compulsive shopping and spending.
The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center provides assessment and treatment services for the compulsive shopper and spender. Counselors trained in the identification and treatment of compulsive shopping and spending provide assessments to determine if this problem exists and if so, to suggest appropriate placement into a level of care or treatment. A free, confidential assessment may be scheduled by calling the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at 1-800-522-3784.
If you have questions regarding addictions, call 800/522-3784,
or write to
Rick Zehr at Proctor Hospital, 5409 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.
Or E-Mail: zehr@addictionrecov.org
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