How to Use Therapy to Help With Your Shopping Addiction

shopping-addiction

shopping-addictionShopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder (CBD) is a condition characterized by an obsession with shopping.  The compulsive buying is experienced as an irresistible and uncontrollable urge which results in lengthy and often very expensive shopping sprees. The consequences of shopping addition are obvious. It can lead to personal and social problems, not to mention the financial difficulties that can arise as a result of it.

The following article describes five ways to use therapy to help you handle your shopping addition.

5 Ways to Use Therapy to Help You Handle Your Shopping Addiction

Do you find yourself shopping just to feel better? Are you a sucker for any sale that comes along? Is your shopping wreaking havoc with your finances, and yet you continue your destructive spending? Perhaps you have a shopping addiction.

Shopping addictions aren’t easy to handle on your own. Luckily, there are various therapies that can help you manage this affliction and get your life back on track.

Learn more about shopping addiction and discover how therapy can help.

Understanding Shopping Addiction

An occasional need to splurge at the mall or an online retailer isn’t a sign of a shopping addiction. Addictions involve the inability to stop shopping, the failure to see the consequences of the shopping, and other issues.

Consider these facts:

1. Simple definition. Shopping addiction can be described as an unstoppable desire to buy.

2. Symptoms. Some of the symptoms of shopping addiction include constantly going over your budget to shop, buying things you don’t need or use, and hiding the purchases. Symptoms also include using shopping to deal with emotional issues and not paying other bills so you can shop.

3. Consequences. Shopping sprees are normal, but compulsive shopping that takes over your life isn’t healthy. It indicates you have a serious issue and it would benefit you to get help before it destroys you.

Therapies That Can Help

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy involves trying to change behaviors, habits, and thought processes.

* Cognitive behavioral therapy involves working with a therapist or counselor to change your behavior and eliminate the addiction. The focus is on specific issues and finding ways to solve them. For example, if you shop every time you feel someone is hurting your feelings, the therapist will work on other ways to handle these emotions.

* Cognitive behavioral therapy can require homework, and you may have to do activities.

2. Group therapy. In group therapy, you meet with others who are suffering from similar issues in a group setting. The group is lead by a licensed therapist.

* Group therapy is designed to help you share your thoughts and find solutions together.

3. Individual therapy. A group setting isn’t always the easiest option for shopping addiction. You may feel ashamed or guilty and have difficulty sharing your issues. Individual therapy provides privacy and confidentiality as you deal with the addiction.

* A professional therapist can help you uncover the roots of your shopping addiction.

* In many cases, shopping addiction is linked to other mental health issues such as depression. Low self-esteem and low confidence can also be the roots of the addiction.

* Your therapist can help you develop strategies to deal with your addiction.

4. Treatment centers. These centers may require you to sign up for a program and stay for the duration.

* Treatment centers can help you focus on your issues and find help from multiple therapists.

5. 12-step programs. With these programs, you can also attend meetings and interact with others who are battling shopping addictions. This may help you see how the issues affect your life and your family.

Shopping addictions take time to heal and overcome. If you’re ready to face the challenge of getting rid of your addiction, then therapists may be able to make the journey easier.

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