Shopping addiction occurs when someone feels an overwhelming desire to buy stuff, even when doing so negatively impacts their lives. Individuals with this addiction experience difficulty controlling their spending habits, frequently buying unnecessary items to relieve anxiety or achieve temporary satisfaction.

The signs and symptoms of shopping addiction include frequent shopping sprees, preoccupation with shopping, inability to control spending, emotional distress, neglect of responsibilities, accumulation of debt, lying about or covering up purchases, experiencing a rush after buying something, and getting new cards without clearing old debt.

The causes of shopping addiction are neurobiological factors, low self-esteem, social pressures, easy access to credit, and cultural mechanisms.

The negative effects of shopping addiction include financial difficulties, exacerbation of mental health issues, hiding one’s behavior, strained relationships, and potential legal issues.

Treatment options for shopping addiction include group cognitive behavioral therapy (group CBT), guided self-help (GSH), support groups and self-help groups, and medication.

What is shopping addiction (oniomania)?

Shopping addiction (oniomania) is an overwhelming need to shop, despite detrimental effects on one’s life. It becomes challenging for people impacted by this behavior to overcome the compulsion as a result of the substantial financial debt, damaged relationships, and ongoing cycle of shame and regret that the habit causes.

Psychological addiction to shopping is driven by a need to experience the emotional highs that come with purchasing new items, regardless of whether the items are needed. Sometimes referred to as compulsive buying disorder, it involves repeated and excessive shopping, often as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.

What is a shopaholic?

A shopaholic is an individual who is compelled to shop obsessively, frequently allocating an inordinate amount of time and money to the acquisition of items, whether they are needed or not. This conduct stems from a buying compulsion that offers momentary solace from unpleasant feelings like stress or boredom.

However, the gratification is short-lived, leading to repeated shopping sprees that result in financial difficulties and strained relationships. Despite recognizing the negative consequences, a shopaholic struggles to control their spending, often prioritizing shopping over more important responsibilities.

Is shopping addiction a real addiction?

Yes, shopping addiction is increasingly recognized as a real behavioral addiction. It is characterized by obsessive, uncontrollable behaviors that, like other behavioral addictions, produce a temporary rush but have detrimental long-term effects.

In fact, a 2016 study by Granero et al., titled, “Compulsive Buying Behavior: Clinical Comparison with Other Behavioral Addictions” revealed that the recognition of compulsive buying behavior (CBB) is growing; in adult populations, the estimated pooled prevalence is 4.9%. The estimated range of the prevalence, which varies from 1% to 30%, is contingent upon the sample used.

What are the signs and symptoms of shopping addiction?

Signs and symptoms of shopping addiction refer to the indicators that suggest an individual is struggling with compulsive buying disorder. The signs and symptoms of shopping addiction are listed below.

• Frequent shopping sprees: Individuals with shopping addiction often engage in regular, impulsive shopping sprees, buying items in excess of what they need. These shopping episodes occur frequently and without regard for financial limits. The thrill of acquiring new items temporarily boosts their mood, leading them to repeat the behavior.
• Preoccupation with shopping: Afflicted people frequently think about shopping and acquiring new items, even when they are engaged in other activities. This persistent focus on shopping dominates their thoughts and distracts them from important tasks or responsibilities.
• Inability to control spending: Despite recognizing the negative consequences, individuals continue to indulge in shopping sprees. They attempt to control their spending but find themselves unable to stop the behavior. A 2023 article from the International Journal of Consumer Studies titled, “Young adults’ online shopping addiction: The role of self-regulation and smartphone use” explained that the financial condition of people who shop compulsively often grows worse since they don’t pay attention to their spending and don’t stick to their budgets. Their dissatisfaction with their money management becomes worse as their debt grows, leading to a vicious cycle of inadequate financial control and even more debt.
• Emotional distress: Shopping addiction often involves using shopping as a way to cope with emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression. The temporary relief gained from buying new items masks underlying emotional problems but does not provide long-term solutions. Engaging in negative-reinforcement shopping, which refers to shopping as a means to alleviate tension or anxiety, has been linked to heightened consumption of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other substances, as per a 2022 article by Farhat et al., titled, “An Exploratory Study of Shopping to Relieve Tension or Anxiety in Adolescents: Health Correlates and Gambling-Related Perceptions and Behaviors.” Additionally, individuals who engage in this type of shopping are more likely to have greater rates of depression, dysphoria, and engage in violent behaviors such as carrying weapons and participating in physical fights.
• Neglect of responsibilities: People with shopping addiction often neglect personal and professional responsibilities due to their preoccupation with shopping. They tend to skip work, miss important deadlines, or ignore household duties to spend time shopping.
• Accumulation of debt: One of the most serious signs of shopping addiction is the accumulation of significant debt resulting from excessive spending. Affected individuals use credit cards extensively, take out loans, or borrow money to fund their shopping habits. Findings of a 2015 study by Achtziger et al., titled, “Debt Out of Control: The Links Between Self-Control, Compulsive Buying, and Real Debts” demonstrated that compulsive buying acted as a complete mediating factor in the relationship between debt and self-control. Accordingly, a lack of self-control breeds impulsive buying, which generates debt.
• Lying about or covering up purchases: Compulsive buyers lie about or conceal their purchases from others to avoid criticism or judgment. In a 2022 study by José Manuel Otero-López titled, “What Do We Know When We Know a Compulsive Buying Person? Looking at Now and Ahead,” a narrative from a compulsive consumer reported that family members, particularly the women in the family, frequently fabricated information regarding their purchases. They frequently exaggerate the price of essential products, such as food, or understate the cost of items they purchased in order to justify their expenditures.
• Experiencing a rush after buying something: This emotional high is similar to the sensation felt in other types of addiction, such as gambling or substance use. The rush provides temporary relief from negative emotions or stress, which drives individuals to keep shopping to recapture that feeling.
• Getting new credit cards without clearing old debt: People with shopping addiction often open new credit card accounts to finance their spending without addressing the growing debt on their current cards. A 2021 study by Banker et al., titled, “Neural mechanisms of credit card spending” revealed that credit card transactions elicited a more robust activation of the brain’s reward network, particularly the striatum, compared to cash transactions. The activation happened when participants were exposed to the credit card cue, and it was unaffected by the price of the goods. This indicates that the sheer availability of credit cards increases the desire to spend.

What’s it like to have a shopping addiction?

Having a shopping addiction feels like being trapped in a relentless cycle of emotional highs and lows. On one hand, the act of shopping brings a temporary sense of excitement, pleasure, or relief from stress, making each purchase feel like a quick fix for emotional discomfort.

However, this fleeting joy is often followed by guilt, regret, or anxiety over the financial consequences, yet the compulsion to shop remains. People with this addiction constantly think about shopping, feel a rush when they buy something new, and struggle to control their spending, even when they know it’s harmful.

It is difficult to overcome the addictive behavior because of the crippling emotions of shame and powerlessness brought on by the constant struggle to conceal purchases, cope with mounting debt, and manage troubled relationships.

What are the causes of shopping addiction?

Causes of shopping addiction pertain to the several elements that lead to the emergence of compulsive buying behavior. The causes of shopping addiction are listed below.

• Neurobiological factors: The serotonergic, dopaminergic, or opioid systems have been the focal point of neurobiological theories, which have been characterized by disrupted neurotransmission, as per a 2007 research article by Donald W. Black titled, “A review of compulsive buying disorder.” Dopamine has been hypothesized to contribute to “reward dependence,” which has been asserted to promote “behavioral addictions,” such as compulsive buying disorder and pathological gambling.
• Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem shop excessively in an attempt to improve their self-image or feel more confident. A 2017 article by Roberta Biolcati titled, “The Role of Self-esteem and Fear of Negative Evaluation in Compulsive Buying” found that there was a positive correlation between both contingent self-esteem (CSE) and fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and compulsive buying. Individuals who derive their self-esteem from the validation of others and those who have fear over unfavorable evaluation are more prone to participating in compulsive buying behaviors.
• Social pressures: Social expectations, peer influence, and societal norms drive compulsive shopping behaviors. People are likely to feel the need to buy trendy items or keep up with friends, celebrities, or influencers in order to fit in or maintain a certain image. The pressure to appear fashionable or successful leads to excessive spending, even when financial limits are exceeded.
• Easy access to credit: The availability of credit cards and financing options enables individuals to shop beyond their financial means, exacerbating compulsive buying behavior. People are more likely to rationalize their overspending when they use credit cards since it makes it harder to track their expenditures. People are able to keep purchasing without worrying about the immediate monetary repercussions, which perpetuates their addiction, because credit is so easy to acquire.
• Cultural mechanisms: Cultural factors have been suggested to acknowledge the predominant occurrence of CBD in developed countries. Essential factors for the development of CBD include the existence of a market-driven economy, a diverse range of products, sufficient disposable income, and ample leisure time, according to a paper titled, “A review of compulsive buying disorder” published in the February 2007 issue of World Psychiatry.

What are the negative effects of shopping addiction?

Negative effects of shopping addiction refer to the harmful consequences that result from compulsive buying behavior. The negative effects of shopping addiction are listed below.

• Financial difficulties: One of the most immediate negative effects of shopping addiction is the accumulation of debt due to excessive spending. Individuals often rely on credit cards or loans to support their shopping habits, quickly exceeding their financial limits. This results in a substantial financial burden over time, as bills accumulate and one is unable to cover essential expenses.
• Exacerbation of mental health issues: Compulsive buying behavior often worsens pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. While shopping provides temporary relief, it ultimately deepens feelings of guilt, regret, and emotional instability. The worsening of psychological problems caused by compulsive buying behavior leads individuals to be more susceptible to ongoing emotional difficulties and an increased need for shopping as a means of coping, according to a 2018 article by Moin Ahmed Moon and Saman Attiq titled, “Compulsive buying behavior: Antecedents, consequences and prevalence in shopping mall consumers of an emerging economy.”
• Hiding one’s behavior: Individuals with shopping addiction frequently engage in secretive behavior, hiding their purchases or lying about their spending. They stash away new items, conceal receipts, or downplay the extent of their shopping to avoid judgment or confrontation. This dishonesty not just damages trust within relationships but increases feelings of shame and isolation as well.
• Strained relationships: Relationships with family and friends suffer due to the dishonesty and neglect associated with the condition. Individuals hide purchases or lie about their spending, eroding trust with loved ones. Additionally, the financial strain caused by excessive shopping leads to conflicts, especially in households where money is tight.
• Potential legal issues: In severe cases, compulsive buyers are confronted with legal issues that are associated with their financial irresponsibility, including fraud or bankruptcy, as per a 2018 study titled, “Compulsive buying behavior: Antecedents, consequences and prevalence in shopping mall consumers of an emerging economy” from the Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences.

How is a shopping addiction diagnosed?

Shopping addiction is diagnosed through a thorough assessment by a mental health expert, including a review of the patient’s behaviors, emotions, and how shopping impacts their lives.

A 2023 paper by Müller et al., titled, “Update on treatment studies for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A systematic review” explained that the diagnosis of compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is predicated on a lack of control over purchasing or shopping activities, which is defined by excessive shopping, preoccupation with purchasing, and an inability to resist the impulse to shop, despite the negative repercussions.

The review further stated that increased importance given to buying, disruption of everyday obligations, and negative outcomes including distress, debt, and family strife are all indicative of the behavioral addiction.

In addition, a detailed assessment of the individual’s emotional state—such as relief or guilt associated with shopping—helps identify whether a psychological addiction is present. Diagnosis considers the exclusion of other disorders that cause similar behavior, such as periods of mania in bipolar disorder.

What are the types of shopping addiction?

Types of shopping addiction denote the diverse manifestations or forms of compulsive buying behavior that individuals experience. The different types of shopping addiction are listed below.

• Flashy shopaholics: Flashy shopaholics are individuals who seek to gain attention or admiration through their purchases. As a status symbol, they often buy expensive, fashionable, or otherwise extravagant goods. They shop frequently and in a showy manner because they want to make a statement or impress other people.
• Compulsive shopaholics: Compulsive shopaholics engage in repetitive and uncontrollable shopping behavior, driven by an internal urge or emotional need. They frequently buy items they do not need, often resulting in significant financial and personal consequences.
• Bargain seekers: The excitement of discovering bargains, discounts, or sales fuels bargain seekers, who then engage in compulsive shopping. They purchase items they do not need simply because they are on sale or perceived as a good deal. The excitement of saving money or finding a bargain becomes the primary motivator, often overshadowing practical considerations.
• Trophy hunters: Trophy hunters are individuals driven by the compulsion to find the perfect or most desirable item, where the pursuit itself becomes the central focus of their shopping behavior. They frequently devote a great deal of time and energy to their searches because they like the excitement of the hunt and the sense of accomplishment that comes from finding a highly sought-after item.
• Collectors: Collectors with shopping addiction focus on acquiring multiple versions of the same item, such as different colors, sizes, or variations of a product. A vast assortment of these objects is what drives them to amass a complete collection. Their addiction is fueled by the search for and purchase of these various iterations, as the collection process gives them a sense of success and purpose.
• Bulimic shoppers: Bulimic shoppers exhibit a pattern of binge buying followed by periods of remorse or purging, similar to the eating disorder bulimia. They engage in intense shopping sprees, often purchasing large quantities of items in a short period, followed by feelings of guilt and attempts to return or get rid of the items.

What are the shopping addiction treatment options?

Shopping addiction treatment options describe the wide range of approaches used to help people with this disorder control their spending and deal with the effects of their purchasing habits. The most commonly used shopping addiction treatment options are listed below.

• Group cognitive behavioral therapy (Group CBT): Group CBT involves a structured format where individuals with shopping addiction participate in therapy sessions alongside others with similar issues. In this setting, participants learn and practice CBT techniques within a supportive group environment. A study titled, “Cognitive behavioral therapy for compulsive buying disorder” published in the December 2006 issue of Behaviour Research and Therapy found that their group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach resulted in substantial improvement when compared to a control group on a wait list in a 12-week pilot study. Furthermore, this improvement was sustained during a 6-month follow-up period.
• Guided self-help (GSH): Resources like workbooks, online courses, or self-help books that concentrate on understanding and regulating compulsive buying behavior are made available to people through guided self-help. Studies that compared guided self-help to group CBT discovered comparable outcomes, suggesting that GSH could serve as a less resource-intensive but equally effective alternative for certain individuals, as per a 2016 paper by Hague et al., titled, “Treatments for compulsive buying: A systematic review of the quality, effectiveness and progression of the outcome evidence.”
• Support groups and self-help groups: Support groups and self-help groups offer a communal space for individuals struggling with shopping addiction to share their experiences and strategies. People who have been through the same things provide one other practical counsel, emotional support, and accountability in these groups. Feelings of guilt and isolation are alleviated, and a sense of belonging and support is fostered, via the shared experiences and knowledge within these groups.
• Medication: In certain cases, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are said to help manage symptoms and reduce the compulsive behaviors associated with shopping addiction. A 2016 review from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions titled, “Treatments for compulsive buying: A systematic review of the quality, effectiveness and progression of the outcome evidence” revealed that mixed results have been seen in studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs (e.g., fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram). In certain experiments, there is no discernible difference between SSRIs and placebo, and the placebo effect is substantial. However, certain case studies have documented favorable results when utilizing anticonvulsants (topiramate), opioid antagonists (naltrexone), and NMDA-receptor antagonists (memantine). It is important to note that these findings are derived from limited sample sizes and lack rigorous methodology.

What are self-help groups for shopping addiction?

Self-help groups for shopping addiction are peer-run organizations intended to assist individuals in overcoming compulsive shopping behaviors by means of mutual encouragement and shared experiences. Members are able to candidly discuss their struggles, share coping strategies, and offer emotional support in a safe, non-judgmental environment at these groups.

Groups such as Spenders Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous are examples of organizations that adhere to structured programs resembling those employed in other addiction rehabilitation groups. Personal accountability, behavior modification, and the establishment of financial objectives are frequently prioritized in these programs.

How to stop shopping addiction?

To stop shopping addiction, the first step is recognizing the problem and understanding the emotional triggers that drive compulsive shopping. Creating a rigorous budget, restricting access to credit cards and online shopping sites, and setting clear financial goals constitute a few strategies to stop spending beyond what is needed.

Getting expert assistance, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aids in addressing underlying emotional problems and creating more effective coping strategies. A community for accountability and shared experiences can additionally be found by joining support groups like Debtors Anonymous.

Regaining control of spending habits additionally involves tracking purchases, exercising mindful spending, and learning to replace shopping with other rewarding hobbies.

What is the difference between normal shopping and shopping addiction?

The difference between normal shopping and shopping addiction refers to the distinct characteristics that separate regular, controlled purchasing behavior from compulsive, emotionally-driven shopping. The differences between normal shopping and shopping addiction are presented in the table below.

Difference Between Normal Shopping and Shopping Addiction
Aspect	Normal shopping	Shopping addiction
Purpose	Fulfills practical needs or occasional desires	Driven by emotional needs, such as stress relief or anxiety
Frequency	Occasional or planned shopping trips	Frequent, impulsive, and often unplanned shopping sprees
Control	Purchases are made with restraint and within budget	Lack of budgetary control resulting in overspending
Emotional response	Satisfaction from fulfilling needs or getting desired items	Brief emotional high followed by guilt, regret, or shame
Financial impact	Managed within financial means, no lasting debt	Results in financial hardship, indebtedness, or the incapacity to settle outstanding debts
Social and personal impact	No appreciable harm to obligations or interpersonal connections	Causes conflicts with loved ones and neglect of obligations
Coping mechanism	Shopping is not used to cope with emotional distress	Shopping is used as a way to escape or manage emotions
Behavior after shopping	Items are used or enjoyed with satisfaction	Purchases are hidden, returned, or left unused

It is imperative to distinguish between normal purchasing and shopping addiction in order to preserve emotional well-being and financial stability. Recognizing these differences enables people to spot problematic habits early and seek the right assistance to recover control.

 

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