Shopping is fun, shopping is great, shopping costs money, shopping creates an overflowing closet, shopping takes you to the brink. Do you have a hole in your hand that you just can't seem to close while it has long since made you unhappy? Then you may be suffering from a shopping addiction.

In this article, I discuss what shopping addiction is, its consequences and treatments for an addiction to shopping.

Buying Addiction

In itself, the name says it all - a shopping addiction means you can't stop shopping. Shopping is something you love to do and can't live without. When you have time you go shopping.

A buying addiction is not something you get overnight. Research conducted in 2013 shows that a shopping addict goes through several stages before the realization that he/she cannot stop shopping.

With online options, this is now an even bigger issue than it was before.

In total, there are five stages.

Stage 1: You fill a "void" by shopping around

Perhaps you have a feeling that you are incomplete if you don't have a certain product and think that that product will make you feel better.

Stage 2: You ignore, deny, buy too many things

For example, things you don't really need or can't really afford at all.

Stage 3: You run out of money for things you do need

Rent, taxes, gas-water-electricity bills. Oh yes, you had to pay those too! Not at all possible because of all the great things you bought. But just borrow money from someone so you don't get into trouble.

Stage 4: You make more and more impulsive purchases

Okay, okay, okay, you really did learn in the previous phase that you need to think about what you are buying and you always have. You're going to do that again now, but that little thing in the store window on your way to work you have to buy real quick.

Stage 5: Compulsive buying

That impulsive purchase from Stage 4, that has now become a compulsive purchase. A certain site or store you frequent is now super happy with you, but you are a lot less happy with yourself. It's very crazy, but you can't seem to stop(1).

If you think such shopping addiction is only for fashion-addicted women, you are wrong. Online games offer many opportunities for purchasing virtual goods with real money.

Shop addicted in the gaming world

For example, these virtual products change the appearance of the avatar, the puppet, that is played with. This can be very addictive for gamers because it capitalizes on the human desire to be noticed. By giving your avatar a special outfit, that desire can be fulfilled online.

In addition, game developers are also capitalizing on money-making opportunities by making some things impossible without money. For example, after a number of levels you have to pay or for a certain virtual weapon you need to defeat a final boss is only obtainable by buying it. It is then not possible to unlock it.

A shopping addiction can therefore be close to a gaming addiction in the virtual world(2).

Different types of buying addictions

A buying addiction can also manifest itself in different ways. Some buying addicts, for example, have developed a system of buy and return just to avoid running out of money on the addiction.

The following type of shopping addicts are identified:

Buy stuff for emotional stress.
Trophy buying addicts looking for the perfect item.
Buying addicts who buy because of the image of big spender.
Bargain hunters who buy things because they are currently on sale.
Collectors who need to buy things because otherwise their "collection" is not complete.
Bulimic shopping addicts who return their purchased items to get the money back or to get something "new"(3).

The effects of shopping addiction

When you buy something as a buying addict, you first have a very positive feeling about your purchase. You feel happy, but you may feel a gnawing sense of guilt and anxiety in the process. This can sometimes lead to prolonging shopping anyway.

In the long run, the consequences are different. It can cause you financial problems and build up debt. In many cases, you can also get into arguments with family about buying and spending too much money.

Separations and broken relationships between your parents, siblings or children can occur with shop addiction.

Treatments for buying addiction

Treating a buying addiction involves looking at the cause. Research shows that ^2/3rds of addicts suffer from anxiety or depression. Therefore, in some cases, antidepressants can help against this addiction(4).

People predisposed to addiction are also often more likely to suffer from shop addiction than those who did not. For example, people who are in rehab from a drug addiction may have used shopping just to avoid using drugs. In that case, one addiction has been traded for another.

Now while this addiction is better for your brain, otherwise it can be just as destructive as drug addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy against shopping addiction

If depression is not the cause of shop addiction, people often receive cognitive behavioral therapy to kick this addiction.

During one such therapy, they find out why shopping has become the pastime in which you lose yourself and try to get away from reality.

Underlying issues can also be revealed through cognitive behavioral therapy, such as the cause of anxiety or depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be performed while under hypnosis. Research shows that this enhances the results of the therapy. This may mean that you then process more quickly your problems that led to the addiction.

Through this therapy, you can also find out why you have a certain type of buying addiction. For example, if you are always bargain hunting, it may emerge that you were once less fortunate and therefore prefer to be on the safe side.

On the contrary, if you are a trophy shopping addict, a moment where you were ashamed of what you had, such as ugly shoes in high school, can make you want only the finest Louboutins now.

Such a cause can also be found with regression therapy during hypnosis.

Lesson in financial housekeeping

In addition, people are often taught how to take control of finances, a type of accounting for your household. Making statements of income and expenses can already be an incredibly good way to tackle a shopping addiction.

Tips against shopping addiction

Tip 1: Tell someone you trust that you have a problem

Acknowledging to yourself and someone else that you have a problem makes it a lot easier to address your problem. By involving someone else, that other person can always reach out to you if they are concerned about relapse.

Tip #2: Only shop with other people anymore

Most shopping addicts buy an entire store on their own. By making shopping a social occasion, you will automatically buy less already.

Tip 3: Pay for everything in cash

By paying cash, you notice much more that you are spending money. Have you ever noticed that when you spend cash it hurts a lot more than if you just pin it?

Another corollary to this tip is to get rid of credit cards and also remove other payment options, such as PayPall. At least then you can buy much less online.

If you pay cash for everything, you have to actually go to the store. This also makes it a lot less attractive to buy anything, especially on a typical Dutch rainy day.

Tip 4: Stop cold turkey shopping

These tips can only make things worse for some people, if you notice this, it's actually better to move on to the next tip.

Tip 5: Give someone else control of your finances

Okay, for this tip, you need to have someone you can really trust completely. If your partner has been calling you on your buying habits for years and is eager to help you, you can give your debit card to him/her. He/she can then stuff an envelope with money every week that you can still use for shopping and what is within the household budget.

Tip #6: Try something different

Is shopping really all you do when you're bored? Try finding another pastime. Yoga, painting, reading, cooking, writing these are all activities that can also get you through the day without spending dozens of dollars right away.

Tip 7: Use mindfulness

By being mindful of your thoughts, you can figure out what triggers you to shop faster and faster. When you realize this at some point you can put a stop to the shopping moment faster.

Want to learn more about mental techniques to stop an addiction for yourself or to help another person? Then check out Hypnosis Institute Netherlands' training courses or attend a seminar.

Also pin this handy infographic as a reminder:

tips against shopping addiction