How Do You Know If You’re a Shopaholic? Here are 5 Signs
Shopping is one of my favorite hobbies, but it’s also become a problem. I can’t stop spending money and buying things that I don’t need. The most recent example happened six months ago when I bought a pair of $169.95 UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boot because I saw them on Amazon. For reference, look how cute they are:
I used to be able to control my impulse shopping habits, but now it feels like there’s nothing that can stop me from buying stuff — even if it’s not something basic like food or medicine — because I’m constantly thinking about what else I want to buy next week or next month. Shopping has become an obsession for me and it’s starting affect my relationships with friends and family members because we never talk about anything except how much money we’re spending on unnecessary items. This led me to start do some research on what exactly is considered “shopaholism” because this seems like more than just being really into fashion; it seems like something deeper than that which may require professional help.”
#1: It’s all you think about.
If you can’t stop thinking about shopping, it might be because you’re addicted to it. If your mind is constantly on the next thing you want to buy, or if you have a list of things that need to be purchased in the back of your mind at all times, then it’s possible that shopaholism has taken over your life.
The first step to curing your shopping addiction is to recognize that you have one. You can’t overcome something if you don’t know it exists! Once you acknowledge that your mind has been taken over by the desire to shop and buy things, then it’s time for action.
You have to take control of your thoughts. You can begin by making a list of all the things that you want to buy and then crossing them off one by one as they are purchased. This will help you get rid of the feeling that there is something missing in your life and therefore something else you need to fill it up with. Once you’ve done this, you should focus on other things that are more important than shopping — like spending time with friends or family, volunteering at an animal shelter, or learning how to play an instrument.
#2: You shop when you’re bored, sad or stressed out.
If you’re a shopaholic, shopping can be a form of escapism. Whether you’re bored or sad or stressed out, buying something new can make you feel better in the moment. It’s also possible that shopping is serving an emotional need for attention and approval from others (see below). If this sounds like it describes your behavior, then consider whether there are other ways to satisfy those needs without spending money on them!
Is it possible that you’re using shopping as a distraction from other issues in your life? It’s not uncommon for people to use shopping as an escape from problems, especially if they have anxiety or depression.
#3: Your credit cards are maxed out.
If you’re a shopaholic and have maxed out your credit cards, it’s time to take action. The first step is to pay down the debt by making more than the minimum monthly payments on each card. Then, cut up those cards and focus on paying off any remaining balance with cash or debit cards. If you think that might be too hard, consider asking for help from family members or friends who can lend a hand until you’ve gotten back on track financially — and emotionally!
You should also use this opportunity as an opportunity for reflection:
- Why did I spend so much money?
- How do I feel about my new purchases now that they’re in my closet?
- Am I happy with myself?
- Do I need any more clothes?
#4: You’re hiding purchases from other people.
You may not be a shopaholic, but if you’re trying to hide your spending habits from others (especially family), it could be a sign that something is wrong. If spending money is causing conflict in your life and relationships — especially when that spending isn’t necessary — you may have an issue with compulsive buying.
#5: You lie about your spending habits.
When you’re a shopaholic, it can be hard to admit that you have a problem. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed of how much money you’ve spent on shopping and impulse buys over the years. You may even fear that others will judge you for being such an obvious consumerist with no self-control in this department!
So rather than owning up to the fact that they have a problem, many shopaholics choose instead to lie about their spending habits altogether — even when they don’t need or want anything else at all (which makes them look even more guilty). For example: “Yes,” they might say when asked if they bought anything while out shopping today; “I picked up those jeans I’ve been eyeing online last night before heading home.” But if pressed further by friends who know better than anyone else just how much money was spent during their last trip out together (because let’s face it: We all know each other too well), these liars won’t be able to keep up their charade for long before giving themselves away entirely!
Shopaholism is a disorder that can result in serious financial problems and social consequences. If you think you might be one, there are places to go for help.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs of shopaholism:
- You can’t stop yourself from spending money on new clothes or makeup (or anything else).
- Your friends and family have repeatedly told you that your shopping habits are out of control, but it hasn’t stopped yet.
- Your bank account balance has dropped significantly since last year — and even though it seems like everything should be fine financially, somehow things just aren’t adding up anymore!
Conclusion
If you think that you might be a shopaholic, there are resources available to help you. You can call the SAMHSA’s National Helpline ( a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.) at 1–800–622-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator here.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. The prices reflected on this blog are current as of today’s date and time and may change at any time at the sole discretion of the seller.
I posted this article on my vocal platform here: https://vocal.media/journal/how-do-you-know-if-you-re-a-shopaholic-here-are-5-signs
