What is compulsive buying and how to treat it

In the era of discounts and tempting offers, shopping is no longer just something we do when we need something—it has become an obsession and a real addiction for many people!

If you find yourself opening shopping apps every day or buying unnecessary items just because they are on sale, you might be falling into the trap of compulsive shopping addiction. The problem isn’t loving shopping itself, but when it turns into an uncontrollable habit that affects your budget, relationships, and mental health.In this Dalili Medical article, we will discuss compulsive shopping, its causes, symptoms, and how you can take control of it before it takes control of you!

What is Shopping Addiction?
A shopping addict is someone who makes compulsive purchases and feels unable to control themselves. Shopping addiction is a type of behavioral addiction, where a person relies on shopping to feel relief or escape from negative emotions like anxiety and depression. Like any other addiction, compulsive shopping can take over a person’s thoughts and negatively impact various aspects of their life.

How to Shop Smart?
Smart shopping means buying only what you really need, but in an organized and mindful way to save money and avoid unnecessary spending—especially since prices vary from place to place. That’s why planning ahead is essential before going shopping. Compare prices in multiple stores before making a purchase. The best approach is to set a budget before heading to the market or mall and avoid buying from the first store you visit. This way, you can find the best deal, save money, and focus on purchasing only the essentials.

Benefits of Shopping

Shopping has many benefits, both on a personal level and for society and the economy as a whole. Here are the key advantages:

Benefits of Shopping for Individuals

Shopping can give you a sense of achievement and self-satisfaction.
It helps you identify your needs and desires and fulfill them in an organized way.
It can be an effective way to reduce stress and daily pressures.
It serves as a form of entertainment, whether you're shopping alone or with family and friends.

Benefits of Shopping for Society

It contributes to economic growth by creating job opportunities and increasing demand for goods and services.
It boosts trade and allows people to buy products from anywhere in the world, especially with the rise of e-commerce and technology.

However, it's important to be mindful—shopping can turn into an uncontrollable habit. If you feel like you can't resist impulsive buying, it's crucial to seek help immediately.

Types of Shopping Addicts

The Compulsive Shopper: Shops whenever they feel emotional distress or anxiety, using shopping as an escape from their psychological struggles.
The Perfectionist: Always looking for the "perfect" item and keeps buying until they find what they believe is the absolute best.
The Show-Off: Loves to appear as someone who spends a lot, often purchasing expensive and flashy items to grab attention.
The Bargain Hunter: Buys anything just because it's on sale or discounted, even if they don’t need it.
The Excessive Shopper: Falls into a cycle of buying items and then returning them, only to repeat the behavior again and again.
The Collector: Feels satisfied only when they own every color of a specific item or complete a full set of a collection.

Although compulsive shopping is often seen as a socially acceptable addiction, it can become a serious issue if it spirals out of control.

Reasons and Motivations Behind Shopping Addiction

Constant Search for Unnecessary Items: Spending excessive time looking for products that aren't needed, just for fun or out of obsession.
Financial Problems: Falling into financial crises due to excessive, unplanned shopping.
Persistent Preoccupation with Shopping: Continuously thinking about buying things, even if they’re out of budget or unnecessary.
Inability to Stop: Struggling to resist the urge to shop, even when there’s no actual need.
Impact on Daily Life: Facing problems at home, work, or school due to uncontrollable spending.
Low Self-Esteem: Many compulsive shoppers suffer from low self-worth and use shopping as a way to compensate for their insecurities.
Neurological Imbalance: Some individuals have difficulty controlling impulses, leading them to shop compulsively, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Personality Influence: Some personalities are more prone to shopping addiction, especially those who are easily influenced, empathetic, but also struggle with isolation.
Materialistic Tendencies: Shopping addicts often have a strong attachment to material possessions and try to fill emotional gaps by purchasing luxury or expensive items.
Influence of Advertisements: Shopping addicts are more susceptible to marketing campaigns, whether online or in physical stores.
Online Shopping Addiction: With the rise of the internet, a new form of shopping addiction has emerged—online shopping—where purchases are made quickly and easily without a real sense of money being spent.

Shopping addiction isn’t just a bad habit—it can be a serious addiction that needs control before it leads to bigger financial and personal problems.

Symptoms of Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction manifests in a range of symptoms that affect behavior, emotions, thinking, and social relationships.

1. Behavioral Symptoms:

Spending excessive time browsing stores or online shopping websites.
Making impulsive and unplanned purchases, often exceeding the budget.
Hoarding unnecessary or unused items just to feel satisfied.

2. Emotional Symptoms:

Feeling excitement or euphoria while shopping, as if it’s a temporary moment of happiness.
Experiencing guilt, regret, or embarrassment after making purchases.
Using shopping as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.

3. Cognitive Symptoms (Thinking Patterns):

Constantly thinking about shopping or the things one wants to buy.
Justifying unnecessary purchases with irrational reasons like, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, I must buy it!"
Struggling to focus on other tasks due to preoccupation with shopping.

4. Social Symptoms:

Hiding purchases or financial issues from family or friends.
Negative impact on relationships due to excessive spending or lying about expenses.
Relying on others for financial support due to accumulating debt.

Additional Signs of Shopping Addiction:

Trying to appear wealthy or successful despite being in debt.
Shopping daily or weekly to the point that it becomes a difficult habit to break.
Opening new credit cards despite not paying off old debts.
Buying unnecessary things just to feel a momentary thrill.
Stealing or lying to continue the shopping habit.
Failing to stop shopping despite being aware of its harmful effects.
Facing problems at work or home due to excessive, out-of-control spending.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to seek help before shopping addiction leads to serious financial and personal consequences.

Types of Shopping Addiction

Not every shopping spree is an addiction or obsession. There’s a difference between regular shopping, impulsive buying, and compulsive shopping.

Shopping Addiction (Compulsive Buying Disorder)
This develops to the point where it causes financial and social problems.
The person struggles to control their spending and becomes addicted to shopping without a clear reason.
It can lead to debt accumulation and relationship issues due to excessive, unjustified spending.
Impulsive Buying
An unplanned purchase that happens suddenly when a person sees something they like in a store.
It’s often a reaction to a sudden urge rather than an actual need for the product.
The person may regret it later for buying something unnecessary.
Compulsive Shopping
It is pre-planned, but the main goal is to escape negative emotions.
The person uses shopping as a way to cope with depression, anxiety, boredom, or anger.
After the momentary pleasure, the negative feelings return, leading the person to seek another purchase as an escape, creating a vicious cycle.

Is Shopping Addiction Real?

There is ongoing debate among experts about whether excessive spending qualifies as a true addiction since traditional addictions typically involve a chemical substance that causes symptoms like tolerance and withdrawal. However, shopping addiction shares similarities with behavioral addictions such as gambling and internet addiction.

Is Shopping Addiction a Mental Disorder?

There is a debate among specialists regarding the classification of compulsive shopping. Some experts categorize it as:

A type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Since individuals experience obsessive thoughts that compel them to shop.
An Impulse Control Disorder: Similar to compulsive stealing, where a person shops without the ability to stop.
A Mood Disorder: Like depression, where shopping serves as an escape from negative emotions.
A Behavioral Addiction: Similar to gambling addiction, where individuals lose control over their shopping behavior.

Prevalence of Shopping Addiction

Around 5.8% of Americans suffer from shopping addiction.
It usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.
It is more common in families with a history of anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.

What Distinguishes Shopping Addiction?

It becomes the primary coping mechanism for dealing with stress.
The person continues shopping despite clear harm to their social and financial well-being.
It can lead to financial problems, debt accumulation, family conflicts, and persistent regret after purchases.

Effects of Shopping Addiction on Life

Shopping addiction does not only affect financial stability but also mental health, social relationships, and even professional life.

1. Financial Consequences

Debt and Bankruptcy: Continuous, unchecked spending can lead to significant debt.
Depleting Savings: The inability to save for emergencies or important life goals, increasing financial insecurity.
Legal Issues: In extreme cases, unpaid bills can result in legal disputes, asset repossession, or even bankruptcy.

2. Emotional and Psychological Impact

Chronic Stress: Persistent anxiety due to debt and regret from impulsive purchases.
Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, and frequent mood swings are common in compulsive shoppers.
Shame and Social Withdrawal: Embarrassment over financial behavior can cause isolation from friends and family.

3. Social and Personal Impact

Strained Relationships: Lying or hiding financial problems can lead to a loss of trust between partners or family members.
Loss of Social Support: A person may isolate themselves from family or friends due to embarrassment over their shopping habits.
Damaged Reputation: If financial issues become known, it may negatively affect the person's reputation in their community or workplace.

4. Impact on Professional Life

Decreased Productivity: Constant preoccupation with shopping, whether thinking about it or actively doing it, affects focus and job performance.
Job Instability: Financial stress can lead to poor work performance, which may result in job loss or professional difficulties.

Treatment for Shopping Addiction

Managing shopping addiction isn’t easy since shopping is a necessary part of daily life. However, there are steps that can help control it and reduce its negative impact.

1. Finding Alternatives to Shopping

Instead of using shopping as an escape from negative emotions, try engaging in other activities such as exercising, learning a new hobby, or joining social events.
Fill your free time with productive activities that prevent you from turning to shopping as a way to feel better.

2. Reducing Opportunities for Unnecessary Shopping

Let a family member handle essential shopping (e.g., groceries, household items) to avoid going to stores yourself.
Set a specific budget for shopping and, if possible, limit or cancel credit card usage to prevent impulsive spending.
Shop with people who aren't compulsive buyers, as they can help you control your spending habits.

3. Creating a Strong Financial Plan

Prioritize your financial needs and avoid unnecessary purchases.
Track your expenses regularly to prevent debt accumulation, which can increase stress.
Consider working with a financial advisor to create a suitable spending plan.

4. Managing Psychological Triggers

Avoid shopping as a response to boredom, as it won’t solve the problem—it’s just a temporary distraction.
Find alternative ways to boost your mood, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, starting a creative project, or engaging in sports.

5. Psychological and Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective in treating compulsive shopping, as it helps identify the emotional roots of the addiction.
In some cases, self-help books, financial counseling, or even medication may be beneficial, but this should always be under professional supervision.
Support groups for individuals struggling with the same issue can be very helpful in resisting the urge to shop.

How to Overcome Shopping Addiction, Shop Smart, and Save Money

With technological advancements and the ease of online shopping, shopping has become more tempting and can turn into an obsession that affects your budget. To avoid this, here are smart strategies to control your spending and enjoy shopping without financial harm:

1. Set a Specific Budget

Allocate a shopping budget based on your income and monthly needs.
Stick to it strictly to avoid overspending on non-essential items.

2. Make a Shopping List

Write down your needs before shopping to avoid random purchases.
Stick to the list and resist the temptation of flashy discounts.

3. Compare Product Prices

Use price comparison apps to find the best deals.
Don’t buy from the first store you see—you may find a better price elsewhere.

4. Avoid Tempting Promotions

Promotions and discounts can be traps that lead to unnecessary spending.
Always ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" before making a purchase.

5. Control Your Emotions While Shopping

Avoid shopping when stressed or anxious, as you may spend more impulsively.
If you're in a bad mood, try another activity instead of emotional shopping.

6. Look for Coupons and Discounts

Use discount codes and promotions to save money.
Follow websites and apps that offer genuine discounts.

7. Use Cash Instead of Credit Cards

Paying with cash makes you more aware of your spending and limits impulsive shopping.
Credit cards can encourage overspending without realizing it.

8. Space Out Your Shopping Trips

Avoid browsing online stores daily to reduce exposure to tempting deals.
Set specific days for shopping to prevent random spending.

9. Seek Help When Needed

If you struggle with shopping addiction and find it hard to control your spending, seek help from a financial or psychological expert.

Why Does Shopping Bring Happiness?

Shopping is not just about buying products; it can be a true source of happiness and mood enhancement for several psychological and emotional reasons:

The Experience of Discovery and Enjoyment
- Shopping provides a sense of adventure and exploration when searching for new products.
- The excitement of finding something special enhances feelings of joy and satisfaction.
Stimulating Happiness Hormones
- Purchasing something you love triggers the release of happiness hormones like endorphins and serotonin, improving your mood.
- These hormones create a sense of relaxation and reduce stress.
Boosting Self-Confidence
- Wearing new clothes or owning beautiful items enhances self-appreciation and confidence.
- Having things that reflect your taste gives you a sense of uniqueness and delight.
Reducing Stress and Mental Pressure
- Buying things you have wanted for a long time brings a sense of accomplishment and relief.
- Some people find shopping a way to release stress and improve their mood.
Shopping as an Enjoyable Social Activity
- Spending time shopping with friends or family strengthens social bonds and makes the experience more enjoyable.
- Sharing moments and shopping together creates beautiful memories and increases happiness.

To treat compulsive shopping or shopping addiction, you can seek help from one of the following specialists:

Psychiatrist
- Specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders and can prescribe medications to help reduce compulsive shopping urges, especially if linked to depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Psychologist
- Provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for compulsive shopping. CBT helps change obsessive thinking patterns and improves impulse control.
Financial Counselor or Debt Management Specialist
- Assists in budgeting, creating a spending control plan, and managing debt caused by excessive shopping.
Behavioral Therapist or Addiction Specialist
- Specializes in behavioral addictions and helps individuals understand the emotional and psychological reasons behind compulsive shopping while developing strategies to manage it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive shopping, it’s best to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist as a first step, as they can guide you to the most suitable treatment.

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