What is shopaholism and how do you realize your spending is off the charts? 9 clear markers

I need boots for the new season. The old washing machine is malfunctioning – it’s time to replace it. And your boyfriend has left you – you want to please yourself with something new. And now the closet turns into a museum, when “there is nothing to wear, and nowhere to put it”….

psychologist-counselor in the approaches of ACT, CFT, scheme-therapy, author of the telegram channel “Safe Place”.

“Every day we pay for an average of 3-5 different purchases. Shopping seems so commonplace that it can be hard to see the serious condition of shopaholism behind the daily spending. At what point does shopping become a problem? How to recognize the signs of shopaholism in yourself or your loved ones? And what to do if every time you go to the store you leave your entire paycheck there or get into debt?”

What is shopaholism?

Shopaholism is the household name for a consumption disorder when the urge to buy becomes so strong that it cannot be controlled. It may seem like something new and modern to talk about. However, “pathological tendency to buy” was first described in 1899 by Emil Kraepelin, a prominent German psychiatrist.

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) does not officially distinguish shopping addiction as a diagnosis. What awaits a person who goes to a psychiatrist with such a problem? He will be diagnosed with F63.8 – “Other disorders of habits and urges”.

In scientific literature, shopaholism can also be found under different names: oniomania, compulsive shopping. In English-language sources – buying-shopping disorder (BSD). It is closest to mental disorders associated with impulsiveness and loss of control, such as gambling addiction or pathological hoarding (in common parlance “Plyushkin’s syndrome”).

Why is shopaholism not a diagnosis?

Shopaholism is not yet as well researched as other addictions. The problem is that, unlike what is actively frowned upon in society (e.g., kleptomania, pyromania, drug addiction), shopping addiction can remain invisible to others for quite a long time. And a person (if he/she has sufficient income) does not experience visible serious problems. Moreover, numerous advertisements, movies, fashion blogs cultivate shopping addiction.

Unfortunately, there is nothing cute and romantic about shopaholism. International studies show that its prevalence is about 5% on average in the world. That is, every 20th person can suffer from this disorder. And these torments can be difficult to notice as a person and his environment. Shopaholism does not cause bruises, it does not manifest itself physically. But the consequences can be devastating. What are they?

Consequences of shopaholism

1. Financial problems. People can spend large amounts of money and buy items they don’t really need. What’s more, they aren’t always things that fit into the budget. As a result, in the “best” case it is not possible to save for what is really important: an apartment, a car, children’s education. At worst, you can get bogged down in loans until it comes to bankruptcy. Or to divorce from your spouse, who will get tired of tolerating constant spending and accumulated debts.
2. Psychological problems. Shopping addiction can lead to anxiety, depression, and negative self-esteem. If right now shopping is unavailable, apathy, irritability appear.
3. Social problems. Shopaholism can lead to social isolation and an inability to participate in other aspects of life – making friends, building relationships, working, raising children, and more. The world feels like it’s shrinking. Clothes can become the earth’s compass when all interests are reduced to perusing fashion magazines and shopping.

The disorder is more likely to appear in adolescence or between 20 and 30 years of age (if the person was previously unable to manage money freely). It is believed that women are more likely to become shopaholics. However, there is no scientific proof of this. Women are simply more likely to notice a problem and seek help. Whereas men are more likely to view their shopaholism as “collecting” or status consumption rather than a problem.

What causes shopaholism?

There is no single theory explaining the causes of shopaholism. Today, it is believed that there are psychological, social, and cultural factors at play here. There may also be a genetic component: shopping addiction is more common in families with a history of other disorders or substance abuse.

People with shopaholism are more likely to have a history of abuse, loneliness, and traumatic events. They often have low self-esteem. In addition, these behaviors can be a symptom of other personality disorders. For example, obsessive-compulsive, avoidant, or borderline.

Neurobiological studies have shown: shopping addicts experience roughly the same feelings as gamblers or substance abusers. However, shopaholism is not as strongly linked to impulsivity as previously thought. It’s not just a lack of self-control, but excitement and a desire for positive emotions.

How to recognize shopaholism?

There is no clear line between “just shopping” and the disorder. Much depends on the level of income and the life situation of the person. However, the boundary still exists. It is located where the well-being and quality of life of the person and his family begin to suffer.

Characteristics of shopping addiction

1. It is difficult to resist buying things (even if they are not needed).
2. Uncontrolled purchases create financial difficulties.
3. The desire to buy something becomes compulsive, a person spends a lot of time in stores or on websites, choosing goods.
4. Because of uncontrolled spending there are problems and conflicts at work, in the family.
5. A person makes purchases even when not planned (for example, goes for a walk without a purse, but starts asking friends for money or purchases on credit).
6. The main thing becomes the emotional state – purchases are made to please or comfort oneself, to relieve tension.
7. It is impossible to refrain from spending by force of will, even despite the negative consequences.
8. After shopping there is a short-term joy, which is replaced by feelings of guilt and disappointment because of the money spent.
9. Trying to avoid shopping, a person experiences a “withdrawal syndrome” – irritated, can’t find a place to go, anxious, angry.

In fact, many people make impulse purchases from time to time. Or spend large sums on trips and holidays. And that doesn’t mean they are shopaholics at all. It’s important to realize that shopping addiction isn’t just about the amount of money spent. To talk about the disorder, there must be at least half of the characteristic signs.

How to treat shopaholism?

To overcome the addiction, it is necessary to understand its origins. If the cause of shopaholism is a desire to cope with the stress and unpleasantness of everyday life, you can learn alternative ways. Of course, those that will not become so exhausting for the wallet. This can be done with a specialist. Since shopaholism is still poorly researched, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and its variations are recommended.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t help yourself. General recommendations, of course, do not take into account your individual situation. So choose from among them those that seem appropriate.

How to help yourself if you are a shopaholic?

1. Think about other opportunities to get positive emotions. The problem with addictions is that life can become very event-poor, and another trip to the store seems like the quickest and easiest way to feel better. Unfortunately, this solution brings more problems than benefits in the long run. It may be better to pay attention to your relationships with loved ones (to get joy from socializing), see your friends, spend time on a hobby or self-development. Anything that brings you joy can diversify your life and improve your mood without the accompanying financial problems.
2. Enlist support. If shopping for essentials can be entrusted to a family member, feel free to delegate this responsibility. And in fact, all purchases that can be delegated. Here we can draw an analogy with alcoholism: it’s hard to break the addiction if there are bottles of alcohol everywhere.
3. Limit access to credit and cash. It’s a good idea to get rid of credit cards altogether and keep only debit cards, where you can’t spend more than you have in your account.
   Don’t go shopping with other shopaholics. If you have to make a purchase, it is better to take someone with you who is not prone to compulsive spending and can help you limit your spending.
4. Develop awareness and self-control. When your hand reaches for your wallet or credit card, it’s not unreasonable to ask yourself: “Stop, what am I doing right now? Why am I buying this?”. If you can’t give a clear answer or if the only reason for the purchase is the influence of emotion, it’s better to pause and let the decision to buy “rest”. It is possible that after a few minutes the desire to spend money will weaken or disappear.

If self-help does not bring the desired result, there is always the possibility to turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist. There are “shopaholics anonymous” groups and therapists who work with addictions and financial behavior.

In some cases of shopaholism, medication may be prescribed (depending on the situation – antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers). However, medication is only part of the solution, behavior modification plays a major role.

Is there a prevention for shopaholism?

If you feel that from time to time you escape from reality by spending, you cannot control your purchases, you feel an irresistible urge to spend money (or you observe it in some of your family and friends), but the signs of the disorder are still far away, you can avoid triggering the situation and take measures in advance.

1. Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. When we are tired, sick, exhausted, it is easier to give in to any temptation. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, hobbies and quality rest can significantly reduce stress levels.
2. Think about what are you avoiding? Are there situations and emotions you don’t want to face, but that cause constant discomfort? At what moments do you most want to “forget yourself” in a store or marketplace? It’s helpful to answer these questions for yourself to better understand your habits and behaviors.
3. Develop planning skills and financial literacy. Planning a budget, keeping track of your spending and taking a conscious approach to shopping can significantly reduce the risk of shopaholism. Before making a purchase, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions: do I really need it? Can I afford this item? Are there more important expenses to consider? Simple actions like these will help you control your finances and avoid unnecessary spending.
4. Develop a critical eye for advertising and marketing. Advertising is everywhere: on the streets, on the internet, on TV. It can be a powerful tool that influences our behavior. Of course, if advertising is succumbed to. Being aware of marketing tactics allows us to critically evaluate advertising messages and not fall for the “get it now, why wait”, “final liquidation” or “incredible exclusive offer” gimmicks. When we realize that advertising is trying to manipulate our desires, we can make more informed choices and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Although shopaholism is not a separate diagnosis in the ICD, it should not be taken lightly as a “fashion diagnosis” or blasé. Compulsive spending can affect not only the person himself, but also his family. As with any other mental illness, if you think you have symptoms of shopaholism, it’s important to talk to a loved one or psychologist about it.

There is nothing to be ashamed of. Shopaholism is a behavior that can be changed, and it doesn’t make you a bad or irresponsible person.