There has always been something about shopping that can feel compulsive and out of control
For anyone who enjoys shopping, a pleasurable mood boost follows purchasing something they really like. However, when those emotions become heightened or exaggerated, then shopping takes on an entirely different, more compelling nature. This is a sign that making purchases may be becoming something of a problem.
It is also a warning sign if shopping happens in a zoned-out or dissociated state. This would indicate that shopping has shifted and is becoming unbalanced, and, again, should be viewed as a warning sign. The rise of e-commerce sites and online auction houses has made spending money online not just commonplace but potentially worryingly compulsive.
While shopping online, consumers can get caught up in the illusion that they are not spending real money. A credit card is debited, often from pre-saved details, which removes the mechanics of spending. It may feel good for a moment to buy something you want, but because those feelings are only temporary, you have to repeat the action time and time again.
There has been a year-on-year increase in online spending
E-marketers predicted that e-commerce growth would reach $4 trillion in 2020, $5 trillion in 2022, and $6 trillion in 2024.
As recently as five years ago, 18.0% of all retail sales occurred via e-commerce. In 2024, that figure reached 21.8%. eMarketer forecasts that retail e-commerce sales will reach approximately $6.419 trillion in 2025 and that worldwide ad spending will surpass $1 trillion that year, with digital accounting for about 75% of that total.
Alongside that spending growth, there are already approximately 11 million people (6% of current Internet users) who suffer from some form of Web addiction, according to an independent study presented at the American Psychological Association.
The implications from this statistical data are that there will be a dramatic increase in compulsive behaviours associated with the internet, which, along with excessive gambling and compulsive pornography use, will no doubt include compulsive shopping behaviours.
Signs of shopping addiction
So what’s the difference between the occasional online or high street shopping spree and a real shopping addiction?
Many people love to shop, and many people also spend more than they can reasonably afford. It is important to note that going on a shopping spree once in a while does not mean you are a shopping addict. However, there are several signs and symptoms that shopping addicts display that you may want to look for.
Emotional symptoms of a shopping addiction
Like all addicts, shopping addicts may try to hide their addiction, and if you suspect a loved one is addicted to shopping, they may try to hide this from you, too.
If you recognise that you hide credit card bills, shopping bags or receipts, you may be a shopaholic. In some cases, shopaholics may try to hide their addiction by lying about just one element of it. For instance, a person may admit they went shopping and then lie about how much they spent.
Some of the other emotional symptoms you may notice with a shopaholic include the following:
- Shopping is their go-to distraction as a way to deal with feeling angry or depressed.
- Going shopping as a way to feel less guilty about a previous shopping spree.
- Continuing unhealthy shopping behaviour even though it is harming intimate relationships due to excessive spending.
Physical symptoms of a shopping addiction
Most addictions have physical symptoms related to them, and shopping addictions can have them too. Someone addicted to shopping can experience mounting feelings of anxiety if they realise they can’t go shopping or spend more money online.
They can suffer palpitations and changes in heart rate, as well as feeling uncomfortably hot and agitated. After spending, they may feel momentarily calmer, and their physical symptoms can subside, only to be replaced by remorse and guilt over the ramifications of their shopping expenditure.
Short-term and long-term effects of a shopping addiction
The short-term effects of a shopping addiction may feel positive. In many cases, you may feel happy after completing a shopping trip. However, these feelings are often mixed with anxiety or guilt, and in most cases, the guilt or anxiety may propel you back to the store for even more shopping.
The long-term effects of a shopping addiction can vary in intensity and seriousness. Many shopping addicts face financial problems, and they may become overwhelmed with debt. In some cases, they may simply max out their credit cards; in others, they may take out a second mortgage on their home or charge purchases to their business credit card. If you are addicted to shopping, your personal relationships may also suffer.
Genuine compulsive online shopping is a disease
It is important to realise that, like any other addiction, genuine compulsive online shopping is a disease. A specialist therapy approach focuses on resolving and ending addictive and compulsive behaviour.
If you are experiencing compulsions to shop and overspend and are ready to take back control of your life, then you can book an obligation-free discovery call. Don’t hide away in secret with your mounting debts and anxiety. You can feel immeasurably better just by taking this first step toward recovery. Book that call now.
If compulsive shopping has led you to money and debt worries, then seek help. In the UK, go to www.nationaldebtline.org or call them for free debt advice on 0808 808 4000. Check the national and local services for where you live.
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