Shopping addiction: symptoms, causes and treatment.

A compulsive behavior disorder that is influenced by the consumer society.

We usually associate the concept of 'addiction' to the consumption of some substance or narcotic that generates a physical reaction in our body. However, in the modern era there is also another type of addiction that corresponds to a certain activity such as gambling, betting or work. Undoubtedly these last trends have to do with the consumer society that surrounds us.

In this sense, we will stick to the phenomenon of shopping addiction, or more scientifically speaking, of shopping addiction.or, more scientifically speaking, oniomania. The inability to control this desire to consume compulsively is what gives it the label of addiction, given the high degree of dependence. Giving up the acceptance of the problem and its corresponding resolution, adds more weight to consider this behavior as a phenomenon to be taken into account as any other current disease.

How to detect shopping addiction?

Unlike what may seem at first glance, it is not so easy to determine or detect a person with this pathology. We live in an era known as the "era of consumption", where this activity is practiced as if it were a sport. We buy permanently, every day and at any time thanks to new technologies and distribution platforms.

Without going much further and avoiding complex explanations, shopping addiction is observed when the consumer loses any notion of real need when acquiring the product, even to the absurdity of buying it.The consumer loses any notion of real need when purchasing the product, even going as far as the absurdity of buying things that will not even be taken out of the packaging. The user buys for the sake of buying; being sad or happy; enjoys the purchase process -especially through credit cards-; feels a relief when making the purchase and a long list of symptoms.

Causes that lead to addiction

It is worth mentioning the explosion of companies and enterprises dedicated to selling through on-line platforms or even applications on mobile devices that have adapted perfectly to the consumer's demands. The immediacy and ease with which any product can be obtained, aggravates the degree of addiction of those who suffer from it. Nowadays, it is possible to do the supermarket shopping.

Likewise, the main cause behind this shopping addiction does not differ too much from conventional ones: it generally responds to profiles of people with deep personal problems, situations of depression or even low self-esteem, especially in individuals who consume textile products in industrial quantities.

Although it is brief and relatively easy to make purchases, it is still a moment of distraction for anyone who is going through an emotional slump. A moment to disconnect from bad thoughts is what an individual in a depressive state is always looking for. Another element to take into account is that the profile most affected by shopping addiction is young women.

Consequences and effects

The difficulties faced by those suffering from shopaholism are not minor.. The first resentment is found in their own economic resources, which are necessary to meet the basic expenses of daily life. It has happened that some individuals give up a good diet in order to make up for material expenses.

From the emotional point of view, the degrees of depression and sadness are extremely intense. The accumulation of unused objects generates a suffocating feeling of guilt. Not knowing where to hide the products, they become the reflection of the problem since they are in sight at all times.

Treatment

As is usually the case with any pathology, the first step to take is the recognition that the subject has a shopping addiction.. It is not trivial to recognize it to one's own relatives and friends in order to feel the psychological support. The environment must show real empathy and willingness to help the affected person. Collaboration between these actors will therefore be essential.

Of course, the correct treatment must be accompanied by many other measures. The help of a professional is indispensable, but another exercise of willpower lies in the control of consumption. For example, canceling trust credit cards is a good method to follow. In some banking companies there is the possibility of restricting this type of services and/or products by limiting the amount of credit or consumption facilities.

Finally, we must take into account the increase of this problem in the global world, especially in Western societies. Some studies show a clear trend towards shopping addiction which, in the United States alone for example, has doubled in less than a decade, from 5% in 2007 to 10% of the total population.