How to Overcome Shopping Addiction

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What helped me is when I'd declutter my closet and realize I didn't like clothes I'd purchased just 6 months prior. I became ultra picky and more in tune with what I really like. Also, I only allow myself things I need to round out my wardrobe--I had an end goal for the size/shape of my wardrobe. I've recently completed it. I'm hoping to not have to get much of anything for the next several years and then some. I could do with a couple more items and find myself obsessing about them/checking online. So I know I do have a bit of a compulsive addiction. The trick for me is to not think of them, not look, and see if I can make do without them. No wardrobe can ever be perfect but it can certainly be functional.

Juniper of OR 12:30PM October 19, 2011

I retired, and used to buying almost any thing I wanted, it was quite a shock to transition to limited funds.
Now, I just concentrate on going to Lowes and spending an hour looking for the markdowns. I just buy less than 10 bucks a week on things I need. It is working out well;

WW Clark of AZ 1:49PM March 17, 2009

I am looking for a counselor or group therapy in Indiana that deals with shopping / debt addition.
Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Brenda of IN 8:51PM November 21, 2008

Yes, have known a long time about my mother-in-law, who is spending her retirement and possible long-term care $$ on shopping! Just had a conversation with my sis-in-law, how do we deal with her? The good thing is she knows it, at least that is good, but how does she conrol it or maintain self-control?

Debbie of TN 7:09PM October 15, 2008

I am an impulse buyer as well as a shopping addict. I work on this by personally limiting my access to extra money, Also I hold my self to the specific item I am entering the store for. I do talk to myself in the store. This helps me avoid signs that say "SALE" or "By one get one free" or "70% off"
I am also taking charge of my bills much better. I try to over pay on each credit card..even if only a few dollars. I feel very much in control when I do this. I hope this helps someone.

rebecca of MO 2:13PM August 31, 2008

I too was a shopping addict. One of the ways that I now cope is by rotating my clothes or putting the away for awhile. Then going back a month or two later and shop from my ow closet. I then see how much money I would have spent and used that money to pay a credit card bill. Trust me it works!

Jackie of NY 1:43PM August 31, 2008

It's easier, in my opinion, to get out of addiction than to stay out of it. That's not to say that while addicted, it was easy. It's just too easy to spend and spend.
While women may buy clothes, guys can spend on anything from collectibles to CDs to TVs/electronics to cars.
But it's easy to fall back into it. At times, I'll think, yes, I want those CDs, and that opens the door open a little and I find myself buying more. I haven't slipped back into the utterly absurd overspending I've done before, because I always now think and ask myself about each and everything I think about getting.
But with the Internet and online stores, the temptation's always there at the click of a mouse.

of 1:37PM August 31, 2008

It is a proven fact that you get a high from shopping or spending money wherever. The downside is you will also face the low at some point. Nevertheless, that is why it does become addictive for some people. Your brain releases the chemicals found in antidepressants.
I found this out after an accident left me in chronic pain. When I shop I feel better for a very short while. And I don't even have to leave the house to do it! Online shopping is perfect for someone like me. Luckily my bank account is also available online and is a constant reminder!
Sincerely,
Eulane RN

Eulane Young of MO 12:41PM August 31, 2008

I definitely have developed the bad habit of shopping to make me feel better when I'm upset, nervous or just bored. This has turned into a "hoarding" problem. I have been studying a self-help book called, "Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding" by Tolin, et al. It has given me much insight into this negative pattern. They really know this problem backwards & forwards. I'm just in the beginning healing stage of acknowledging it's a problem in my life & opening up to others & admitting it.

C.J. Sadiq of UT 11:35AM August 31, 2008