Can people really have an addiction to shopping?

Question

Is it a real addiction or just choice?

Answer 1

It's an addiction!!

Answer 2

Personally I find it tedious.

Answer 3

Absolutely. One can become addicted to anything. An addiction is classified as anything that one has an uncontrollable desire to do. Addictions can range from compulsive television watching to rampant sexual activity.

The main reason people have addictions is because it gives them a "high" after fulfilling their desire. In biological terms, the brain actually releases a chemical similar to narcotics that gives the person a brief rush. This chemical only functions to positively-reinforce the behavior.

Hope this tidbit helps and may God bless your day!

Answer 4

ask my wife  

Answer 5

Yep you can get addicted, but with addiction come problems.

Answer 6

It can be an addiction if that person uses all their cash cards and even sneekily uses someone elses or gets a loan even to pay for their clothes shopping, but with me it is purely choice, as I think with a majority of others it is too.  

Answer 7

yes i think so:) im addicted to clothes.

Answer 8

Yes apparently so.

People use what is called retail therapy as a way of enjoying themselves. The normally buy items for which they have a need or have developed a desire for. Compulsive or addictive shopping is not like that, it is a form of behaviour designed to avoid unpleasant reality, and is accompanied by a high which causes the sufferer to lose control and buy many items for which they have no need. The adrenaline rush, the fantasy which surrounds the episode and everything which precedes the actual spending spree all add to the sense of unreality which brings a false sense of freedom from life's problems.

How common is it?

It is difficult to ascertain the full extent of this problem as statistics have not been compiled, although it is known that more people are identifying this as a problem and seeking professional help.

How do I know if I have it?

As with all addictions, the resulting overwhelming sense of shame, remorse and guilt accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, lead to despair. Often the remedy for the despair is more addictive behaviour resulting in more self destructive feelings. The consequences of shopping addiction are obvious: high levels of debt, fear of discovery and retribution leading to more denial and desperate acts to cover up the behaviour. For those closely connected to the sufferer life becomes frightening and unpredictable with a growing sense of uselessness and the belief that the sufferer is deliberately causing chaos and a feeling of desperation sets in. Complete the questionnaire on this web site to help you decide if you have a problem

Can it be cured?

Many sufferers are multi addicted, often abusing prescribed drugs or alcohol in addition to the compulsive spending. The despair can be ended through successful treatment and people can be restored to normal life. As with other addictions, success follows an honest admission of the problem and the seeking of help from others.

Good Luck.X :-)

Answer 9

no....it can be an addiction....i love shopping & spend loads of time doing it....especially addicted to Gems Tv at the moment...much to my husbands horror!!

Answer 10

Not really addiction as envy, i must have this dress...so what's wrong with it.  

Answer 11

personally i think not!

i hate shopping!

it's really boring but my girl mates, like all girls claim they have an addiction but meh i reckon it's simply choice!

anything is really!

like smoking:

it's all in the mind!

that's why people hypnotized to get it out of their mind because they need that extra boost!

i reckon i'll get my girl mates hypnotized

xx

Answer 12

Anyone can become addicted to the hormone rush you get when your doing something you really enjoy whether it's shopping, extreme sports or joy-riding. Just because there are no physical symptoms or huge change in body chemistry, doesn't mean that is easy to stop. Any activity can become addictive and destructive when taken to extremes, not just drugs

Answer 13

absolutely addiction is an illness and u can get addicted to anything!! my friend was addicted to coca-cola and has now got no front teeth lmao so yh you definately can

take care

ash

Answer 14

yes it can be. I know someone who was addicted to shopping - she got professional help like CBT n stuff

Answer 15

not an addiction just greed