You’ve heard ‘shopaholic’ thrown around in movies and books. You might have even used it when describing that friend who always has shopping bags in hand and credit cards maxed out.
But what does being a “shopaholic” actually mean, and when does harmless retail therapy cross the line into something concerning? Let’s break down this modern phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide.
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What Is a Shopaholic
The word “shopaholic” refers to someone who shops excessively. While it sounds lighthearted, the clinical term is actually “oniomania” – a condition first described by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in 1915.
Fun Fact: Oniomania comes from the Greek words “onios” (for sale) and “mania” (insanity or frenzy).
Is Retail Therapy the Same As Compulsive Shopping?
Retail therapy and compulsive shopping are not the same.
Retail therapy is when you shop every now and again to feel better or celebrate your successes. People do this sometimes without any bad effects. Compulsive shopping, on the other hand, is characterized by strong cravings to buy things, which can interfere with everyday life and lead to difficulties with finances, relationships, or emotional well-being.
8 Signs of Shopping Addiction
Recognizing problematic shopping behaviors can be tricky since shopping is a normal part of life. Here are the warning signs that distinguish compulsive shopping from regular purchasing habits.
- Shopping when emotionally distressed: You frequently use purchases as emotional band-aids when you’re depressed, angry, nervous, or stressed.
- Purchasing things you don’t use or need: You keep buying the same things, even if your closets and storage spaces are crammed with unwanted items still in their original tags.
- Hiding purchases from friends or family: You resort to hiding deliveries, receipts, or shopping bags because you’re ashamed of your spending patterns.
- Feeling strained financially: Bills go overdue, credit card debt mounts, or you take out a loan expressly to finance your shopping rather than essentials.
- Having regrets or feelings of guilt after shopping: The initial rush of buying something swiftly gives way to regret, embarrassment, or worry over it.
- Shopping to keep your mood stable: You realize that your ability to shop has a big impact on your mental health and that being unable to go on shopping sprees can alter your mood.
- Making false claims regarding the amount spent: When questioned about purchases, you downplay expenses or invent excuses to justify buying expensive items.
- Ignoring obligations to shop: Shopping excursions or internet browsing sessions take precedence over work, family, or social commitments.
What Is the Cause of Compulsive Spending?
There are multiple causes of compulsive spending. Here are some of them:
Psychological Factors
- Addiction to shopping frequently comes with anxiety and depression. According to research, obsessive purchasers are much more likely than the general population to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders.
- Fear of negative evaluation and self-esteem disorders are linked to compulsive shopping.
- Before buying episodes, individuals with compulsive buying often feel anxious, depressed, or sad.
Social and Environmental Triggers
- Through targeted campaigns, flash deals, and social media influence, marketing and advertising generate a false sense of urgency and desire. The modern shop setting is intentionally created to encourage impulsive purchases.
- Shopping behaviors are driven by social influence and comparison, particularly among younger groups who are heavily influenced by social media.
Neurobiological Components
- Buying something can trigger a dopamine release, giving a quick feeling of pleasure and encouraging people to shop again.
- Research suggests that compulsive buying disorder may involve disrupted brain chemical systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and opioid pathways.
Can Oniomania Be Cured?
No, can oniomania can’t be cured, but different options could help manage it.
Therapeutic Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) involves mindfulness, acceptance & distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Debtors Anonymous and Spenders Anonymous are two examples of support organizations that provide accountability and support.
Practical Management Strategies
With the proper treatment, support from friends and family, and these practical strategies, compulsive buying can be effectively managed.
- Setting financial limits, such as automatic savings transfers, shopping lists, waiting times before making purchases, and deleting saved payment information from devices, helps prevent impulsive spending.
- Engaging in other activities that offer similar emotional benefits, such as working out, pursuing creative hobbies, or spending time with friends.
- Seeking professional financial advice addresses the real-life consequences of compulsive shopping while also teaching essential money management skills.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it. ‘Shopaholic’ is a real addiction. It is different from your occasional retail therapy, as it can lead to financial difficulties, relationship issues, or emotional distress. And although it doesn’t have a cure, it can be managed.
