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What is Compulsive Shopping?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Compulsive shopping is a form of process addiction in which someone feels compelled to shop. This type of process addiction is also known as compulsive spending, reflecting the fact that compulsive shopping results in the expenditure of large amounts of money. A variety of treatments can be used to address compulsive shopping, ranging from support groups to private therapy.

While it might seem laughable to be “addicted to shopping,” compulsive shopping is actually a serious problem. Compulsive shoppers are actually out of control, which means that they are unable to stop spending money. They may develop feelings of shame or guilt around shopping which cause them to conceal shopping expeditions, and they may also find themselves in serious financial trouble as a result of compulsive spending.

The sight of large groups of people buying goods often drives compulsive shoppers to pick up items they don't need.
The sight of large groups of people buying goods often drives compulsive shoppers to pick up items they don't need.

Some signs of compulsive shopping include regularly breaking a set budget, shopping to feel better, being unable to set a budget at all, hiding shopping expeditions, and running up extremely high balances on credit cards. A compulsive shopper may also enter a return cycle, in which shame develops around a purchase and the purchase is returned, but the shopper buys more items at the store. Compulsive shoppers also tend to purchase a wide range of items, some of which don't fit or seem extremely impractical.

Some people are addicted to shopping.
Some people are addicted to shopping.

A chronic compulsive shopper shops constantly to feel better, and as a pick me up, becoming addicted to the process of shopping and spending money. Others may become compulsive in response to holiday stress, failing relationships, or problems at work. While many of us have treated ourselves to something special in response to depression or unsettling events, there is a marked difference between setting a budget for a special treat and staying within that budget, and going on a spending spree which spirals out of control.

Compulsive shopping can be done online.
Compulsive shopping can be done online.

Treatment for compulsive shopping focuses on identifying the root causes of the problem, and trying to break the habit. People who predisposed to compulsive shopping are often encouraged to avoid owning credit cards, to set very specific budgets and shopping expectations, and to be very careful about casual shopping. For example, window shopping might be carried out when businesses are closed, or money could be left at home to avoid impulse buys. A compulsive shopper may also seek help from a support group, or ask friends and family to respect the situation and avoid triggering addictive behavior.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon84105

i am a huge shopper and I never really thought it would get this bad but i don't really know what to do anymore. i wish i knew where to go for help! my friends and family both think i need it but i just don't know what to do anymore! Help me, please!

anon58160

My husband is a compulsive shopper. He runs up tons of credit and hides it from me. He has even gotten credit cards in my name, maxed them out and made the payments late. He does this over and over again.

We had to file for bankruptcy 14 years ago and now we are about to have to do it again. He needs help, but refuses to get it. If it wasn't for our son, I would leave. I hate him now for all of his lying and I have never hated anyone.

I wish he would grow up or get out!

anon43092

I am one of those persons, but it is a control issue with me. right now i am trying to discuss any finances with my mom, my daughter, and my husband for the next 24 hours. I do have to go to the store and pick up my medications and a couple of other items, but i know that i can't go overboard. i am sick of talking about money all the time anyway, so i am not going to talk about it for twelve hours!

janraychad

I have a friend that shops several times a week. Buys six pair of expensive shoes and returns five. Has brought home at least 7 or 8 comforter sets. Has so far returned them all. Buys a ceiling fan, two in fact for two different rooms and has them installed, then taken down and a different one installed. Is there anything I can do to help? She would never admit she has a problem. Thank you.

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    • The sight of large groups of people buying goods often drives compulsive shoppers to pick up items they don't need.
      By: Jean-Michel LeClercq
      The sight of large groups of people buying goods often drives compulsive shoppers to pick up items they don't need.
    • Some people are addicted to shopping.
      By: Odua Images
      Some people are addicted to shopping.
    • Compulsive shopping can be done online.
      By: bloomua
      Compulsive shopping can be done online.
    • Compulsive shoppers may frequently purchase clothes.
      By: adisa
      Compulsive shoppers may frequently purchase clothes.
    • Compulsive shopping may become a habit for seniors who have more free time.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Compulsive shopping may become a habit for seniors who have more free time.