What Is Shopping Addiction?    by Caroline Nettle

in Self Help / Addictions    (submitted 2011-03-28)

Addiction to shopping, like all other addictions is not very well understood in our society. However, the thought patterns that drive the addiction are common to the addictive mind, and recovery looks very similar.

We live in a society of waste, excess, and pleasure seeking. We are encouraged to borrow money to pay for this lifestyle, so that we can have what we want instantly, instead of saving for it. We throw away an inordinate amount of usable products because we absolutely have to have the next item on the list.

To a shopping addict, the next item on the list, whatever it may be, will make them "happy". The ritual around the act of shopping involves anticipation, and expectation, the actual act, and then shame afterwards as the realisation hits that it has not made a difference to how you really feel.

Shopping addiction takes many forms. For some, it is the purchase that is the high. For others, the taking back of the item. Others yet, it is finding a bargain.

With clothes, the thoughts can be that I need that piece of clothing to be acceptable/ lovable, or worthwhile. With gadgets, it can be that the next (....) will make me happy/ fulfilled, or lovable. With collections, it can be once I have a big enough collection, I will be lovable, worthwhile and safe.

Most of these thought patterns are unconscious. The problem comes when the addict is unaware of their behaviour and goes into debt in the constant search for the illusive feeling of being worthwhile.

Addiction is a disease that is characterised by behaviour without choice. The addict cannot not shop, or hoard, or whatever behaviour they have adopted in order to feel safe/ worthwhile/ lovable.

The problem with this need is that the addict will never find what they are looking for in a skirt or a gadget. They have an enormous emptiness inside that is a result of childhood issues, and this hole is not going to be filled without some real self awareness and work on the original issues.

Recovery from shopping addiction, much like all other addictions, starts with an understanding of the behaviours. Why do you shop? Learning to put down the drug, in this case shopping. Change your behaviours so that you can eventually learn to have a healthy relationship with the act of shopping. Feel the feelings that come up when you cannot shop, and quite possibly find a professional to help you through your withdrawal.

Shopping addiction, like all addictions, gives you a temporary high, and then leaves you feeling despair. If you recognise yourself in this article, there is help for you out there. You have to want to change, and to be free of this addiction, and to choose a fuller, happier life. You are worth it.

Written by Caroline Nettle

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About the Author

Caroline Nettle is passionate about healing, recovery, and assisting others to grow. Her website Spiritual Growth Tools is the culmination of many years of seeking answers about her own health and well-being, and studying the human condition. She writes articles, is a healer and gives talks about subjects relating to spiritual growth and personal development.
Spiritual Growth Tools is an online resources dedicated to spiritual growth and personal development. It aims to provide resources and information to assist others on their journey to inner peace, vitality, and a happier, healthier lifestyle!
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