Shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction characterized by chronic, repeated shopping regardless of the impact, which can have significant effects on a person’s well-being and functioning. Like other addictive behaviors, it is caused by various contributing factors and may require therapy to manage symptoms.
- Shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction that can have serious negative consequences, including impairments in social, professional, academic, and personal functioning and well-being.
- Shopping addiction may be caused by a range of factors, including negative emotions, boredom, procrastination, and poor self-regulation.
- There are currently no evidence-based treatments, as further research and understanding are required. However, medications and behavioral therapies may be beneficial in managing symptoms.
Shopping addiction: Why some people can't stop buying
Shopping addiction, or compulsive buying-shopping disorder, involves the chronic, repeated, and uncontrolled buying of items, despite negative consequences, including emotional, financial, and functional impairments. [1][2]
Currently, it is not a recognized condition in the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). [3] Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is listed as an ‘other specified impulse control disorder’ in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). [4]
The terms CBSD and shopping addiction are often used interchangeably, as the condition is being discussed in scientific literature as a potential behavioral addiction, similar to internet addiction and gambling addiction. [5][6]
Similar to other addictions, shopping addiction is believed to be related to gratification seeking, or dopamine release, causing euphoria and relief of negative emotions. It is also associated with urges or cravings, emotional withdrawal symptoms, and impairments in areas of functioning. [2][7]
How common is it?
Studies suggest that compulsive shopping disorder or addiction occurs in around 1-8% of the world’s population. [2] Most studies indicate a significantly higher prevalence among women than men, with some figures suggesting that between 80% and 94% of those with the disorder are women, although this varies. [5][7]
Root causes & the impact of modern influences
Shopping addiction is thought to be linked to several contributing factors, including: [1][2][6]
- Procrastination, particularly among college students
- Lack of self-efficacy and self-esteem
- Anxiety and other negative emotions, such as loneliness
- Lacking life meaning
- Poor self-regulation
Additionally, it is important to recognize the impact of modern technology and influences that can increase the likelihood of compulsive and impulsive online purchasing. For example, online shopping is convenient, as it is available at the click of a few buttons, where an unlimited range of products can be found, compared, and bought with ease. [1]
Normal shopping vs. Shopping addiction
Key differences between normal shopping and addictive shopping include: [2][5]
- Shopping addiction involves craving and urges, sometimes with negative feelings such as tension or anxiety before purchases, with a sense of relief or euphoria after. Normal shopping will not involve this extreme range of emotions or cravings.
- Shopping addiction involves chronic and repeated buying, which might increase in regularity, with little or no control over buying behaviors. Normal shopping may occur infrequently.
- Shopping addiction can lead to social, professional, academic, or personal impairments, which normal shopping does not.
- Shopping addiction can lead to financial issues, debts, or legal issues, which normal shopping will not.
Are you struggling? How to recognize the signs
Signs of compulsive buying can include: [4][5][7]
- Frequently thinking about shopping and experiencing urges to shop
- Feeling anxious or distressed before purchasing items or when unable to shop
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on shopping, making more purchases than intended
- Experiencing emotional or financial issues due to shopping
- Feelings of relief or happiness after purchasing items
- Impairments in various aspects of functioning due to shopping
- Buying unnecessary things
Emotional, financial, and social costs of shopping addiction
A key feature of addiction is the negative impact it has on one or more areas of life, including social, professional, academic, or personal functioning. Shopping addiction may cause people to experience difficulties in their relationships. For example, conflict may arise in relationships due to excessive spending or time spent shopping instead of with family members. [1][7]
Similarly, people might struggle to manage their professional or academic workload or fulfill their responsibilities if they are compulsively shopping. This can lead to serious financial issues, not only due to money being spent on shopping, but also potentially due to lost income. People may spend beyond their means, resulting in borrowing or stealing to access funds, which may lead to long-term debts and legal consequences. [2][5]
Shopping addiction is also likely to result in emotional difficulties, particularly as a result of its negative impact on life and well-being. Also, it is common for shopping addiction to co-occur with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use issues, which can be underlying or contributing factors to the development of shopping addiction or may be exacerbated by the addiction. [6][7]
Effective coping strategies to manage compulsive shopping
People may be able to implement a range of strategies to help manage their compulsive or addictive shopping behaviors, such as: [1][5][6]
- Regulate phone/online time: Limiting the amount of time spent using technology can help reduce the urge to purchase items online. Online buying can be related to impulsivity or procrastination, and as such, may be harder to control when spending a lot of time using devices.
- Budget: Financial budgets can help prevent excessive spending. It can be helpful to have a monthly budget for all incoming and outgoing funds, allocating set amounts to purchases. Some may benefit from placing a capped spending amount on their debit or credit card, so they cannot make purchases beyond this amount.
- Delete shopping apps: Shopping websites and apps can send notifications and marketing emails, which may trigger or encourage buying. Deleting these apps and unsubscribing from marketing emails can remove these triggers and help manage shopping behaviors. Ad blockers installed on PC browsers can also help.
- Hobbies and activities: Engaging in a variety of hobbies and activities can help reduce time spent thinking about or engaging in shopping. This can be a good distraction, motivating factor to save money, and provide enrichment and meaning.
- Social support: Social support can be a protective factor for compulsive buying and addictive behaviors. Having a strong support network and spending time with family and friends can reduce compulsive shopping and help manage emotional difficulties, loneliness, or boredom.
Pathways to overcoming shopping addiction
Currently, there are no evidence-based treatments for shopping addiction. Research into the effects of psychological and pharmacological treatments has shown varying results. Effective treatment for shopping addiction will likely involve behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help recognize and alter harmful behaviors and learn positive coping strategies for emotional distress. [5]
Medicines might be prescribed to treat the addiction, as they may help manage underlying or contributing emotional difficulties, such as symptoms of depression or anxiety. [5]
It can also be helpful to utilize couples or family therapy if shopping behaviors have impacted these relationships. Support groups might also be beneficial and can provide a community and network of individuals with similar behavior patterns who can share experiences and support one another. [5]
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