Shopping Addiction

Shopping addiction or impulse buying is when someone gets a 'high' from spending money on goods and spend excessively on goods that they want rather than need. If they act on these urges regularly and spend money they don't have they may find themselves under the spell of shopping addiction. Items that are reportedly the most frequent purchase of shopping addicts are clothes, jewellery, electrical gadgets and all goods that are linked to self-image. Implying that shopping addiction and status anxiety are closely related.

One of the main implications of shopping addiction is debt. People who are addicted to shopping may spend even when they have no money to spend with, which can soon lead to debt problems. Debts can often spiral out of control and can soon become unmanageable. Other consequences are denial and desperate acts to cover up the addiction.

Shopping addiction can cause its victims to buy items that were never intended to be purchased at that time. Shops now prey on impulsive, addictive shoppers by making enticing displays and positioning related goods together. Retailers know this is a great way to take advantage of customers with a shopping addiction.

There are a number of ways to overcome this problem, including:

Shopping addiction is soon expected to be recognised as a psychiatric disorder. Therefore treatment and therapy could soon be available on the NHS.

If you are suffering from a shopping addition or have accrued uncontrollable debts through impulse buying, please don't be embarrassed - Payplan have trained advisers who can offer you free financial advice. Rest assured - no one will judge you.

To find out more about Reasons for debt click here

Other useful information

Debtors anonymous - 020 7644 5070
Addiction website: http://www.addictions.co.uk
Discuss your addiction and learn from others experiences on this forum:
http://www.uncommonforum.com

Quick enquiry click here