Shopping addiction: symptoms, causes and treatment

Generally we 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, gambling or work. Undoubtedly these latest trends have to do with the consumer society that surrounds us.

In this sense, we will stick with the phenomenon of shopping addiction, or more scientifically spoken, of the oniomania. The inability to control this urge to use compulsively is what gives 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 like any other common disease.

How to detect shopping addiction?

Unlike what it may seem at first glance, it is not so easy to determine or detect a person with this pathology. We live in a time known as the "age 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 purchasing the product, even reaching the absurdity of buying things that will not even be taken out of the packaging. The user buys to buy; being sad or happy; enjoy the purchase process -especially through credit cards-; feel a relief when making the purchase and a long list of symptoms.

Causes that lead to addiction

It is worth noting the explosion of companies and companies dedicated to selling through online platforms or even applications on mobile devices that have been perfectly adapted to the demands of the consumer. The immediacy and ease with which any product can be obtained, aggravates the degree of addiction of those who suffer it. Today you can do the grocery shopping.

Likewise, the main cause that responds to this shopping addiction is not excessively distinguished from the conventional: 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.

While shopping is short and relatively easy, it is still a distracting time for anyone going through an emotional slump. A moment to disconnect from bad thoughts is what an individual always looks for in depressive state. Another element that we must take into account is that the profile most affected by shopping addiction occurs in young women.

Consequences and effects

The difficulties faced by shopping addiction sufferers are not minor. The first resentment is found in their own financial resources, necessary to meet the basic expenses for the day to day. It has been the case that some individuals give up a good diet in order to meet material expenses.

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

Treatment

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

Obviously, the correct treatment must be accompanied by many other measures. The help of a professional is essential, but another exercise of willpower lies in controlling consumption. For example, canceling trust credit cards is a good way to go. 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 in this problem in the global world, especially in Western societies. Some studies show a clear trend towards shopping addiction that, only in the United States for For example, cases have doubled in just under a decade, from 5% in 2007 to 10% of the total population. population.