You know who you are. You either got banks and collection agencies phoning you ten times a day, too many gadgets in your house that you have no clue what to do with or 101 pairs of shoes that could be worn by the same number of Dalmatians. And you may sometimes stand in front of a clothing store at 2 a.m just to be first in line when the store opens at 8. What’s the matter with you? Are you on crack? You’re a shopping maniac, that’s what! You need to just stop being a Shopaholic!
The first response many people give upon hearing that someone is unable to stop doing something is that it’s all in the person’s mind. Such people usually scowl; they believe if the person really wanted to strengthen their demeanor they’d simply resist their temptations. After all, how difficult can it really be to just not shop?
Look at it from this perspective: Would you consider yourself possessed by eating or sleeping? While the latter functions are biological and compulsive shopping is psychological, technically, they’re both the same.
Story of the boy and the girl
Two children, a boy and girl, are strolling down a street. The girl is seen walking with a crutch because her leg has been amputated; the boy beside her appears annoyed because he finds she’s walking slowly. Which of the two children deserves more sympathy? The boy or the girl? 99.9 out of 100 people are probably going to pick the girl. Why? Because people usually see things with their eyes first. Then afterwards they try to use their brains which will immediately summarize two things to them in this instance: Girl; no leg. Boy, inconsiderate brat.
And yet no one would ever know that that boy had been acting that way because he had been missing his mother who recently passed away; he’s now highly depressed and irritable and has the full responsibility of taking care of his sister at 7 years old. Still think genetic and physical ailments are always more severe than psychological ones?
When Shopping becomes an addiction
It’s so easy to tell someone that in order to stop shopping they must burn their credit cards; it’s easy to tell them they have to limit their spending to a certain amount each month. Some may even encourage others to try other nonsensical things like shutting their eyes while running through a shopping mall so they won’t fall prey to the allure of a variety store.
Simply telling people they need to learn to control their impulses just does not work long-term. This is because obsessive shopping is an addiction that leaves one just as vulnerable as sex, drugs and gambling obsessions. Neither of these can easily be stopped no matter how much the person wants to. So then now what?
The start to stop being a Shopaholic
To start the recovery process it is often recommended that a shopaholic only purchase items they need until they’re strong enough to break free of their addiction. But this can be the same as telling a nymphomaniac to only do what she needs to do to make her happy.
Addicts usually feel thrilled when they cave in to their cravings; and they eventually lose the ability to distinguish between needs and wants. However, the “buying only what you need” approach is a good one. But it only works in full if the shopaholic has someone like a “big sister” to turn to. This can be any person who will help them take control of their lives, preferably someone who hates shopping too. Because it doesn’t get any worse than having tag team shopaholics struggling to not lead each other into a state of bankruptcy.
A “big sister” (or brother, if you prefer) works best when they are granted the power to do one of the following two things:
- Take control of all your money and dictate your spending habits. This can be sort of like giving you an allowance every day, week etc. Such a person needs to be someone you are able to trust, a lot!
- Someone whacking you with a big stick every time you purchase some item that is not a necessity may work wonders too!
Treating with Shopping addiction
Alternatively, as a shopaholic, you may opt to visit a psychiatrist; yes, this is one the one capable of helping you get your hands on some legal drugs. This is because your underlying problem is most likely as a result of feeling depressed, angry, irritated or empty about things that have occurred in your life.
There are prescriptions that can be recommended to help combat the situation. Compulsive shopping is usually one of the easiest things that someone can do to help mask their true emotions. The problem most out-of-control shoppers face is that they are afraid to admit the root of their problem. They may even deny that they have a problem at all.
Seek higher power
There is no one right way to deal with excessive shopping behavior. The habit can stem from numerous places, many of which are unknown. The most you can do is either seek guidance from some higher authority. A rumor has been going on that prayer supplemented by the necessary action helps faster too.
If you try everything and still can’t seem to end your bizarre obsession with shopping, don’t rule out the big sister with the big stick yet. She’ll only make sure that every time you open your mouth to say, “Help! I can’t stop—” you’ll get a nice, good wallop! Not sparing the rod is often all it takes to mend a broken child. And if by then you still don’t learn your lesson … one can only hope that you don’t just shop shop shop till the day you drop.
