Author: Ann Schiebert

Types of Reality Distortion Systems

Shopping: Part 1

“I just can’t live without this gorgeous, fabulous, irreplaceable, blue sweater. I know I don’t have the money for it, but I HAVE TO HAVE IT!” Welcome to the world of the Shopaholic! Shopping numbs anxiety and negative emotional states like frustration, sadness, anger, agitation. Remember the motto, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping?”

We might all enjoy shopping at one time or another. Just what makes it an addiction? When shopping becomes and obsession and compulsion, and has negative consequences which are ignored as one engages in making purchases, it can be considered an addiction.

What are the signs that shopping is a problem? Credit cards used to the limit. Purchased items that are never used or worn. Shopping to avoid solving a problem or facing an issue. Disregard for a budget or for the financial needs of others. The inability to set limits for the number of purchases made. Having no space for storing the items one purchases. Experiencing urges to shop.

What to work on: Create a budget and follow it. Use only cash to pay for items. Take someone with you on shopping excursions: make an agreement that only the items on your list will be purchased – no impulse buying. Establish accountability with someone who has knowledge about shopping addiction. When the urge to shop manifests, exercise instead. Unclutter your house, closets, kitchen, storage spaces. Sell those items on line and establish a savings account for the proceeds.

Next post: How to implement new behavior.