Shopping Addiction

There is such a thing as shopping addiction or compulsive buying. These are also referred to as shopoholics. They often go on "shopping binges."

Shopoholics can shop for different types of items or they can specialize, like shoes, clothing, etc.

Many people like to shop. Shopping can be good recreation. Sometimes we go on shopping sprees that are not necessarily addictions.

A shopping addiction is shopping that is out of control like any other type of addiction, and you are spending more than you can afford. Then you need credit counseling and shopping addiction counseling.

How to stop shopping addiction?

You can window shop, but not buy the products. Practice window shopping. You can make a list of products you might like to buy according to your budget, but you don't have to buy those products now.

Set up a shopping fund or shopping budget. Do not spend beyond this shopping fund or shopping budget, which should be a percentage of your income that you can afford.

Shop with cash--what you can afford--not a credit card.

You should also make a shopping list and only purchase what is on your list. Your list should include only what you can afford, according to your budget.

For articles on how to manage shopping addiction or compulsive spending go to:

http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/shop.html
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/shopping-spree-addiction

Note: Shopping addicts can not just shop from stores, but from catalogues, shopping channels on TV, and online shopping.