Compulsive shopping disorder refers to obsessive compulsive disorders and has a more popular name of shopaholism. The meaning is simple – addiction to shopping and spending.
You will unmistakably recognize the symptoms when you see that your cupboard won’t close and you find there things that you have never worn and some of them you do not even remember. All those dresses, bags, accessories and other things you spend money on not really requiring them – you buy all this, mostly, to relieve your stress and depression. Tell yourself honestly – are you doing this? If yes, then, perhaps, you are on the way to the condition
It won’t be a mistake if I say that this disorder as any kind of addiction is addictive as well as destructive. The habit to buy everything you see regardless the need is fraught with consequences. It causes debts, loans, financial hardships and sometimes even crimes. The most frequent this condition is among women who can be found in a mall much more often then men and are more liable to thoughtless bargains. It is also typical for patients with compulsive shopping disorder to plan and make a list of the things they are going to buy. As this condition is more characteristic for women it does not mean that every other is a shopoholic – women just love shopping; but there are severe cases and they really need to be treated for the sake of avoiding the future undesired complications.
The condition of compulsive shopping requires and can be attended before complications appear.
If you feel that you cannot resist the desire to buy by yourself and your voice of conscience so strong and powerful at home becomes weak and easily persuaded in the mall, call your relatives and friends for help. This is the first recommendation. Do not go shopping alone or with people who have the same kind of addiction; instead take a mother or a very practical friend – they won’t definitely let you buy more than you need.
Another advice – shun shopping malls. They are the worst place to treat your condition imaginable! The same goes with internet shopping. Better choose small stores that will not provide the temptation.
A shopping list will be a good and handy thing as well. Write down all the things you require in the shop and buy in accordance. Stick to your list and do not look at things that are not present there.
Even better and more effective recommendation is to limit the amount of cash you carry with you around and leave at home your credit cards – this measure will simply won’t give you a chance to buy more than you can pay.
Follow this simple advice and if you really want to get rid of the addiction you will manage it. Shopaholism is not the best thing for your finances and I’m sure that you can spend money on something better than a tenth pair of shoes that you do not need actually. If you are already midway into the condition try to use the above given recommendations and you will see the change, you will feel free from addiction. You will like it.