Shopping Addiction

What is a shopping addiction?

A shopping addiction, often referred to as compulsive buying disorder (CBD), is a behavioural condition where a person feels an overwhelming urge to shop, often spending money they can’t afford or purchasing items they don’t need. While shopping addiction is not officially listed in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), many mental health professionals acknowledge it as a serious issue with similar traits to other behavioural addictions.

It can affect individuals in various ways, covering all types of shopping experiences, from browsing stores in person to scrolling through online marketplaces. The compulsion to shop can be driven by emotional triggers like stress, loneliness, or the need for a temporary mood boost, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.

Recognising the signs and seeking support can make a significant difference in regaining control and building healthier financial and emotional habits.

What are the signs of shopping addiction?

There are some tell-tale signs of shopping addiction, but many can be difficult to notice on the surface. While occasional shopping sprees are common, compulsive shopping can have deeper roots. Below, we explore some key areas where shopping addiction can manifest.

Behavioural signs

Frequent impulse purchases: Buying items without considering whether they are needed or affordable. This often happens during emotional highs or lows.
Hiding shopping habits: Concealing purchases or lying about spending to avoid judgment from family or friends.
Shopping for emotional relief: Using shopping as a way to cope with stress, sadness, or anxiety, similar to how others might turn to comfort eating.
Overspending despite consequences: Continuing to shop even when it leads to financial problems, debt, or strained relationships.
Returning or hoarding items: Frequently returning items or keeping things that are never used, driven by guilt or the thrill of acquiring them.

Psychological signs

Feeling euphoric when shopping: Experiencing intense joy or excitement while shopping, followed by feelings of guilt or regret afterwards.
Preoccupation with shopping: Constantly thinking about the next shopping trip or purchase, even during unrelated tasks.
Restlessness when unable to shop: Feeling agitated, restless, or irritable when prevented from shopping.
Emotional dependency: Believing that shopping is the only way to feel happy, confident, or in control.
Low self-esteem linked to purchases: Relying on material possessions to feel worthy, valued, or socially accepted.

Do I have a shopping addiction?

In today’s internet-driven world, buying things has never been easier. Even smart fridges can order groceries online, while services like Amazon deliver within hours. Websites like eBay make it simple to dive back into hobbies we missed out on as kids.

But with this convenience comes a challenge: distinguishing between an occasional treat and a potential shopping addiction can be tricky. If you’re wondering where you stand, consider the questions below.

Answering ‘yes’ to several of these might suggest it’s time to take a closer look at your shopping habits.

Do you often shop to feel better when you’re stressed, anxious, or upset?

Many people turn to shopping as a way to cope with emotions, but when it becomes a frequent escape, it could signal a deeper issue.

Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed after making a purchase?

Experiencing buyer’s remorse regularly might be a sign that shopping is more than just a fun pastime.

Do you struggle to stick to a shopping budget or find yourself hiding purchases?

Difficulty managing spending or being secretive about what you buy could point to a shopping habit that’s spiralling out of control.

Have you noticed arguments with loved ones about your shopping habits?

If shopping has led to conflict or concerns from people close to you, it might be worth reflecting on how much space it takes up in your life.

Do you frequently buy things you don’t need or already own?

Buying items out of habit or impulse, even when you have no use for them, can be a sign of compulsive shopping.

Do you feel restless or anxious when you can’t shop?

Feeling agitated when unable to shop might indicate that the habit has become more than just an occasional treat

If these questions resonate with you, reaching out for support could help you regain control and develop a healthier relationship with shopping.

How is a shopping addiction treated?

Although shopping addiction can feel overwhelming, help is available, and recovery is possible. At Liberty House, we offer a specialised shopping addiction programme designed to address the emotional, psychological, and behavioural aspects of compulsive shopping.

Our shopping addiction treatment programme includes:

Initial assessment

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of the addiction and identify any underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. This assessment allows us to create a personalised treatment plan that targets your specific needs.

Therapy

Our therapies are tailored to address the unique challenges of shopping addiction, focusing on its emotional, mental, and behavioural components.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify and change thought patterns that drive compulsive shopping. It teaches you to recognise emotional triggers like boredom, loneliness, or stress and develop healthier coping strategies. This therapy also addresses distorted beliefs around self-worth, often tied to excessive spending.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on managing intense emotions linked to shopping addiction, such as guilt, shame, or regret after a shopping spree. By learning emotional regulation and distress tolerance, you can break free from the cycle of emotional spending.

One-to-one counselling

This confidential space allows you to explore deeper issues that may fuel shopping addiction, such as low self-esteem, relationship struggles, or past trauma. Personalised guidance helps uncover root causes and shape an effective recovery plan.

Group therapy

Connecting with others who share similar struggles can reduce feelings of isolation. Group therapy creates a supportive environment where you can share experiences, build accountability, and gain new perspectives on managing your recovery journey.

Holistic therapies

Activities like yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy promote relaxation and mental clarity. These practices help reduce stress, improve emotional awareness, and support overall well-being, making it easier to manage triggers and regain control over compulsive shopping behaviours.

With the right support, recovery from shopping addiction is achievable. At Liberty House, we provide a safe, compassionate space to help you rebuild a balanced, fulfilling life. Reach out to us today for further advice on the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shopping addiction recognised as a medical disorder?

Shopping addiction is not officially classified as a medical disorder in the DSM-V. However, many mental health professionals recognise it as a behavioural addiction, similar to compulsive buying disorder, due to its emotional and psychological effects.

How does shopping addiction impact relationships?

Shopping addiction can cause significant strain on relationships by leading to broken trust, arguments over spending habits, and financial instability. Secretive behaviour around shopping or hiding purchases can create distance and damage emotional connections with loved ones.

Can shopping addiction lead to financial ruin?

Yes, shopping addiction can result in financial ruin when compulsive spending leads to mounting debt, unpaid bills, and a lack of savings. The addictive cycle can escalate quickly, causing long-term economic struggles and financial instability.

What are the physical symptoms of shopping addiction?

While shopping addiction is mainly a psychological issue, it can cause physical symptoms linked to mental health struggles like anxiety or depression. These may include headaches, insomnia, muscle tension, fatigue, and digestive problems triggered by emotional stress.