Compulsive Spending/Shopping

The signs and symptoms of compulsive spending/shopping are very similar to Sexual and Internet Addictions that have been described previously in this guide.
It is universally agreed upon that addictive disorders are characterized by the following: Recurrent failure to control a behavior, increased tension prior to a behavior, and pleasure while experiencing a behavior.

Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Spending/Shopping

• Shopping of spending money as a result of being disappointed, angry or scared.
• Shopping/spending habits causing emotional distress or chaos in one's life.
• Having arguments with others regarding shopping or spending habits.
• Feeling lost without credit cards.
• Buying items on credit that would not be bought with cash.
• Spending money causes a rush of euphoria and anxiety at the same time.
• Spending or shopping feels like a reckless or forbidden act.
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, embarrassed or confused after shopping or spending money. Many purchases are never used.
• Lying to others about what was bought or how much money was spent.
• Thinking excessively about money.
• Spending a lot of time juggling accounts and bills to accommodate spending.

(Four or more of the above indicates a problem with shopping or spending)

Speakers Bureau

Our staff of certified addiction counselors, psychologists, nurses, chaplains and physicians is available free of charge to businesses. Professional staff members provide informational presentations on the problems of chemical dependency and compulsive addictions. These programs are an outstanding supplement to employee health evaluation and maintenance efforts. To set up a presentation for your organization, please e-mail our Vice President of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Rick Zehr, at eric.zehr@proctor.org or call 1-800-522-3784.

To comment on this site or inquire about IIAR programs and services, or to receive additional information on any of the subjects discussed in this Web site, please e-mail our Vice President of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org) or call 1-800-522-3784.

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This information is provided as a community education service about professional issues and is not a substitute for individual consultation. Advice on individual problems should be obtained through a professional. All personal and medical information provided to IIAR and its staff is held in strict confidence. This information will not be disclosed to any person or organization without the written consent of the patient or guardian.

The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has centers at the following three locations:
Proctor Hospital, 5409 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614, phone: 1-800-522-3784
BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Virginia at Franklin, Normal, IL 61761, phone: 309-888-0993
IIAR at Springfield, 3050 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, phone: 217-726-6611

E-mail comments or requests for additional information to Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org)

You may also contact: Randee McGraw, Administrative Director
Pam Hillyard, Manager
Coleen Moore, Coordinator of Resource Development
Patricia Erickson, Nursing Coordinator

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