“shopoholism,” shopping addiction can wreak havoc on a person’s life, family, and finances. Experts explain to WebMD why shopping can be so addictive, what the warning signs are, and how to stop the cycle of spending.
“There are certainly a lot of commonalities among shopoholics and other addicts,” says Engs. “For instance, while alcoholics will hide their bottles, shopoholics will hide their purchases.” 104 /
CREATURES OF HABIT
Procrastinating Gossiping Hair Pulling Untidiness
SHOPOHOLISM
Swearing
While the origin of addictions remains uncertain, why addicts continue their destructive behaviours is better understood. “Individuals will get some kind of high from an addictive behaviour like shopping,” says Engs. “Meaning that endorphins and dopamine, naturally occurring opiate receptor sites in the brain, get switched on, and the person feels good, and if it feels good they are more likely to do it -- it’s reinforced.” So what are the telltale signs that shopping has crossed the line and become an addiction?
Over Eating
“No one knows what causes addictive behaviours, like shopping, alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling,” says Ruth Engs, EdD, a professor of applied health science at Indiana University. “Some of the new evidence suggests that some people, maybe 10%-15%, may have a genetic predisposition to an addictive behaviour, coupled with an environment in which the particular behaviour is triggered, but no one really knows why.”
Over Spending
REINFORCED SHOPPING