Compulsive shopping disorder is just like any other obsessive compulsive disorder, like nail biting, overeating or lying. It is also known as spending addiction or shopaholism and there are number of signs that can help ascertain whether or not you are addicted to shopping and spending. You know that you are turning into a shopaholic when your cupboard starts overflowing with clothes, bags and accessories that you have never even used or when you frequently feel an urge to spend even on things that you do not really require. You may also start feeling that shopping is the only way you can get some relief from stress, worry and depression. These are a few of the major and early signs of compulsive shopping disorder. Here’s some more information on compulsive shopping disorder.
Compulsive Shopping Disorder
Compulsive shopping can get both addictive and destructive just like any other substance addiction. The consequences of shopping like an addict can be severe, including extreme financial hardships, crossing credit card limits drastically, debt problems and in extreme cases, even certain types of crime. Women are the ones more affected by compulsive shopping disorder than men. They often land up in a mall to buy one or two things, but end spending more than required and return home with a lot of shopping bags instead of just one or two. Shopping addicts will frequently find themselves planning and thinking about their next shopping trip and the list of stuff they would be buying. If early intervention is not sought for this problem, treating it in the later stages could be very difficult and there would be a lot of other complication to deal with.
How to Stop Compulsive Shopping
Compulsive shopping can be treated easily before it turns into a very serious problem. This can be done if the problem is identified by, your friends or your family and help is sought at the right time. Support from friends and family is essential for you to successfully overcome the problem of compulsive shopping, therefore make sure you talk to them about it and seek the required help and assistance for compulsive shopping treatment. Here are a few points that will help you rectify this problem.
Avoid Shopping at Malls
Shopping at a shopping mall gives you all the options required, for you to spend aimlessly. Therefore, shopping at malls and internet shopping is a strict no-no. Shop at a small store to avoid buying what you do not require at all. This is the first step taken towards avoiding all kinds of temptations that can lead to excessive, unnecessary shopping.
Avoid Shopping All by Yourself
When you shop all alone, there is no one but your own conscience who can restrict you from spending. But then again, it is very easy to ignore the conscience and spend like there is not tomorrow. Hence, take with you a friend or relative to shop who can restrict you from shopping unnecessarily.
Important: Make sure that the person you take along is not a shopaholic!
Stick to the Shopping List
Before you can go shopping, prepare a list of the things that you ‘need’ to shop for. Carry this list along with you and buy only the things that are mentioned on it. Get a friend or relative to check the list for you.
Carry a Limited Amount of Cash and No Credit / Debit Cards
Do not carry your debit or credit card when you go shopping and carry only a limited amount of cash so that you know that you need to restrict yourself to buying only what is possible within that amount.
Hope the above tips help you overcome compulsive shopping disorder so that you can get back on the rack with your finances. Addiction of any kind is bad for your health and lifestyle and hence you must do everything you possibly can to get rid of it.