How can I tell if I have a shopping addiction?
When you hear the term "shopaholic," you might think of lighthearted pop culture moments (iconic 2009 rom-com Confessions of a Shopaholic, anyone?) or memes about Carrie "Shopping Is My Cardio" Bradshaw. Most of us see shopping as something fun and light—a mood booster! And, let's be real, that's probably why we've all engaged in some good ol' fashion "retail therapy" from time to time. But what happens when retail therapy becomes the only way you can cope with chaos? What happens when you've run up credit card debt and your relationships are suffering? What happens if you low-key suspect a shopping addiction?
Thanks to mass consumption culture, it can be hard to know when shopping becomes out of control—but there's a big difference between really putting that Amazon Prime subscription to use and developing a full-blown addiction that can derail your life.
Unlike, say, substance use disorder, shopping addiction is not a diagnosis you'll find in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Still, many mental health professionals view it as a behavioral addiction, kind of like gambling addiction.
Interestingly, shopping addiction is recognized as a type of impulse control disorder called compulsive buying-shopping disorder, in the International Classification of Diseases. According to the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, this happens when you shop excessively for unneeded or unwanted items and that habit interferes with "other interests, leisure activities, professional duties, and daily responsibilities."
Shopping addiction, like many other addictive behaviors, often starts as a way to pacify some need, says Aaron Weiner, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in addiction. A lot of the time, that need is an emotional one, Dr. Weiner explains. "I view all addictions as being metastasized coping strategies."
Whether it's a mental health condition or just the stress of life, addictive behaviors like shopping, gambling, or watching porn can turn the volume down on whatever people are going through, says Dr. Weiner.
Over time, shopping can become impulsive, says Steven Yale Sussman, PhD, a social-clinical psychologist who specializes in addiction. If buying stuff makes you feel good, you can start to chase that high without realizing you're doing it, Dr. Sussman says. The pleasurable rush or rewarding feelings you get from adding to cart or coming home with something new pulls you back for more, especially if you're not feeling so great. Unfortunately, the high is fleeting and often followed by remorse, guilt, or regret, Dr. Sussman explains.
Keep reading for 4 signs of a shopping addiction and what to do if you think you have one.
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