Oniomania (compulsive shopping, or what’s more commonly referred to as shopping addiction) is perhaps the most socially acceptable addiction. Think about it: We are surrounded by advertising that tells us that buying will make us happy. We are encouraged by politicians to spend as a way of boosting the economy. And, for some of us, there is an allure of wanting what everyone else seems to have. Consumerism, by our own intentions or not (or some combination), has become a measure of social worth.
Shopping addiction is a behavioral addiction that involves compulsive buying as a way to feel good and avoid negative feelings, such as anxiety and depression. Like other behavioral addictions, shopping addiction can take over as a preoccupation that leads to problems in other areas of your life.
According to Ruth Engs from Indiana University, some people develop shopping addictions because they essentially get addicted to how their brain feels while shopping. As they shop, their brain releases endorphins and dopamine, and over time, these feelings become addictive. A professor in applied health sciences, Engs claims that 10 to 15 percent of the population may be predisposed to these feelings.
It is not possible to point the finger at one cause for addictions like shopping, alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling. Some evidence suggests that genetics — to a certain degree — play a role, together with your emotional upbringing and an environment in which this is triggered. However, there is more clarity on why addicts pursue this behavior. Individuals (mostly women) get some kind of high from an addictive behavior like shopping. Feel good chemicals are released in the brain, and you guessed it, the person feels good and if it feels good they are more likely to do it, reinforcing that addiction. It is a vicious circle, wherein the addict thinks that they are happy and out of misery, but the depression and urge to shop comes back even faster, pulling one in a downward spiral.
The truth is that a shopaholic often suffers from emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem (desiring the approval of others), and sometimes has other substance addictions, like internet addiction or gambling. The shopaholic also has a profound sense of materialism, with the assumption that affection, attention and admiration can also be bought. Let the person realize that self-worth is not related to the items that they buy. It is a gap within that they try to fill by indulging in these external physical pursuits.
The underlying issues have to be dealt with in order to treat this behavior. Since it is an emotional problem, the antidote and solution too lies in emotional healing. Mind you, it will require a lot of time, patience, and attention and love to treat such people and will not happen overnight, so keep your expectations at bay. A real social connection with other people and healthy distractions helps to reduce this problem. Positive encouragement is always a great way to help the addict. Treatment with behavioral therapy and counseling does help too.
