Monday, December 23, 2013

Shopping addiction signs

Shopping addiction signs, Most people like to shop at least a little bit but for some, an obsession to “shop ‘till they drop” takes over and causes then to rack up credit cards and overspend to a point in which their behaviors lead to many adverse consequences.  Shopping addiction has many of the same characteristics as any substance abuse addiction in that the shopper just doesn’t feel good until they have over-gone their limit when shopping.  Many excessive shoppers will compulsively spend hundreds or even hundreds of thousands of dollars before realizing that they have a problem and need help.

Compulsive shopping can be a seasonal disorder (often around the holidays) or it can be an on-going disorder.  The excessive need that shopaholics feel for the “pick me up” that comes from shopping can lead to an overabundance of purchases, typically that have little or no need or necessity for the shopper besides that they wanted the item so they purchased it.

What is Shopping Addiction?

Shopping addiction actually has a technical term that is called Omniomania.  This means compulsive shopping and is perhaps the most socially reinforced of the behavioral addictions.  Shopping addiction is characterized by the widespread desire to shop and purchase items despite a need for such items or despite a necessary ability to afford such items.  Consumerism is one of the biggest measures of social elite in America and this makes shopping addiction an even more widespread problem for many.

Shopping addiction is not a newfound disorder.  It has affected millions of people for many years and dates back to as early as the 19th century.  Friends and family members go out and shop together, people shop socially, people shop for something to do and people shop to fulfill negative emotions.  An addiction to shopping leads to compulsive shopping that can result in many negative feelings.

Effects of Shopping Addiction

Compulsive shopping disorder has many negative consequences that can be physical, financial, and emotional and otherwise hindering to the addict.

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