Addiction to consumption and buying products: 6 key features

These are the defining aspects of the tendency to shop and consume addictively.

Most people can control their impulses to buy repeatedly even in a consumer society such as the West; however, some people may develop problems containing their cravings to buy compulsively, almost around the clock and systematically.

This is the case for those who have a consumer addiction disorderA condition characterized by an irrepressible impulse and a constant motivation to buy without control and also by a feeling of relief once the purchase has been successfully completed.

It should be clarified, in this regard, that technically it is not an addiction, but another type of psychopathology belonging to impulse control disorders known as "impulse buying".

Consumption and impulse buying addiction: 6 key characteristics.

So, to know the main characteristics that define this psychological disorder of addiction to consumption and compulsive buying, we will now review several key ideas for its recognition in everyday life.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is one of the main characteristics of consumer addiction. As its name suggests, people suffering from impulse buying disorder feel an irrepressible need to buy one or several specific products and instantlyThey find it very difficult to stop focusing all their attention on that feeling (as long as they do not make that purchase).

When it comes to shopping in any establishment, most people are able to control their desire to buy and are aware of their economic limitations. On the other hand, those people who suffer from addiction to consumption and to buying products can hardly resist their desire to buy any product, no matter how unnecessary it may be, as long as they do not have professional therapeutic support.

2. Shopping as a source of pleasure

Psychological professionals agree in describing that people suffering from this type of consumer addiction disorder experience an intense feeling of satisfaction and pleasure when making any purchase at any time of the day or night..

Therefore, it is due to this intense pleasure that the person addicted to consumption experiences when making a purchase, that this activity continues to be repeated and carried out systematically in the future. This generates a vicious circle of frustration and satisfaction.

3. High comorbidity

The consumption addiction disorder usually presents a high degree of comorbidity, which means that it is common for the person to also have other psychological disorders in conjunction with the disorder..

Some of these disorders are usually those related to mood, such as depression; anxiety disorders, addiction to other chemical substances and eating disorders are also common.

Of course, this does not mean that anyone who has developed impulse buying is doomed to develop other psychopathologies; it is just a statistical pattern.

4. Shopping as a method of avoidance

Another possible explanation that can be given to the behavior of compulsive shopping is to consider this activity as a method of avoidance with which to to face a problematic reality or a vital lack of some kind..

This case can occur in some people who have some personal or labor problem that generates suffering or overcomes them and with which they do not know how to deal. That is why these people often start buying compulsively to distract themselves from their daily worries or to make up for any kind of emotional deficit they may have.

5. Phases of the purchase

Most people with an impulse buying disorder usually go through the same phases with each purchase.

The first phase is the anticipation phaseThis phase begins when the person is approached by the impulse to buy in general or the need to purchase a specific product.

The second phase is the preparation phase, in which a mental journey is made on how to get to the establishment where the desired product is sold and tangential issues such as how the payment will be made.

The next phase is the purchase phase, which generates great pleasure and satisfaction in the person, and finally we reach the the spending phase, in which the person experiences great disappointment for the money spent, disappointment and even anger and guilt.The next is the buying phase, which generates great pleasure and satisfaction in the person.

6. Vicious circle

The feeling of guilt, frustration and discomfort generated by the purchase made can provoke in the person a series of depressive symptoms in their daily life, which in turn will generate a new need to buy compulsively to experience again the pleasure and satisfaction associated with this action.

This often leads to an ever accelerating vicious circle, which leads to an ever-increasing physical and psychological deterioration the person suffering from the impulse buying disorder. This psychological disorder can therefore be effectively treated.

Looking for therapy for addictions and lack of impulse control?

If you are having problems related to impulsivity and/or addictions, contact our team of professionals. At CITA Clinics we specialize in the treatment of this type of health disorders, and we offer both outpatient care and the possibility of admission in our fully equipped residential module surrounded by nature. In this page you will find more information about how we work.