Addiction to consumption and the purchase of products: 6 key characteristics

Most of the people can control their impulses to buy repetitively even in a consumer society like the western one; however, some people may develop problems containing their urge to shop compulsively, almost 24/7 and consistently.

That is the case of those with a substance abuse disorder, affectation 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 completed satisfactorily.

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

• Related article: "The 14 most important types of addictions"

Addiction to consumption and the purchase of products: 6 key characteristics

Thus, to know the main characteristics that define this psychological alteration of addiction to consumption and compulsive buying, then we will review several key ideas for its recognition on a day-to-day basis. day.

1. Impulsiveness

Impulsivity is one of the main characteristics of drug addiction. And it is that, as its own name indicates, people who suffer from impulse buying disorder feel an irrepressible need to buy one or several specific products and instantly, so it is very difficult for them to stop focusing all their attention on that feeling (as long as they do not make that purchase).

When buying in any store, most people are able to control their desire to buy and are aware of their economic limitations. On the contrary, those people who suffer from addiction to consumption and the purchase of products can hardly resist their desire to buy any product, however unnecessary, as long as they do not have therapeutic support professional.

2. Shopping as a source of pleasure

Psychology professionals agree when it comes to describing that people who suffer from this type of consumer addiction disorder experience an intense feeling of satisfaction and pleasure when making any purchase at any time.

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

3. High comorbidity

Substance use disorder usually has a high degree of comorbidity, which means that It is common for the person to also have other psychological disorders together.

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 whoever has developed impulse buying is doomed to develop other psychopathologies; it's just a statistical pattern.

• You may be interested in: "What is impulsiveness? Its causes and effects on behavior"

4. Going shopping as an escape method

Another possible explanation that can be given to the behavior of compulsive buying is to consider said activity as an evasion method with which coping with a problematic reality or a vital lack of some kind.

This case can occur in some people who have a personal or work problem that causes them suffering or overwhelms them and with which they do not know how to deal. That is why these people often begin to buy compulsively to distract themselves from their daily worries or fill any type of emotional deficit they may have.

5. Purchase phases

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

The first phase is the anticipation, and it begins when the person is approached by the impulse to buy in general or the need to acquire 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 they sell the desired product and tangential issues such as considering how to will make the payment.

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

6. Vicious circle

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

This often leads to an ever-accelerating vicious circle, which brings with it increasing physical and psychological deterioration in the person suffering from said impulse buying disorder. Fortunately, this psychological disturbance can be effectively treated.

Looking for therapy for addictions and lack of impulse control?

If you are having problems related to impulsivity and/or addictions, get in touch with our team of professionals. In APPOINTMENT CLINICS we specialize in the treatment of this type of health alterations, and we offer both assistance ambulatory as the possibility of entering our fully equipped residential module and surrounded by nature. In this page you will find more information about how we work.