How to manage Compulsive Buying Disorder
Compulsive buying Disorder is a type of addiction disorder characterized by an obsession in shopping. It is clinically described in the 20th century by Bleuler and Kraepelin. According to a survey, compulsive buying disorder affects 5.8% of people in the US.
Bleuler and Kraepelin called people with compulsive buying disorder as buying maniacs or oniomaniacs. Buying maniacs possess an excessive buying behavior that oftentimes leads to distress. People who cannot control their urge to shop are most likely to end up with senseless contraction of debts due to delayed payments.
Addiction to shopping can bring detrimental effects to the financial aspects of life. If you think that your shopping behavior is causing you financial problems, you may take an addiction self test to assess your symptoms.
Meanwhile, below are some tips on how to manage compulsive buying disorder.
1. Pay purchases in cash – Do not depend on your credit cards too much. Compulsive buyers can suddenly feel the rush to shop; buying anything that pleases their eyes. People with compulsive buying disorder are usually in denial of their debts, and they end up having racks of clothes and possessions which may have never been used.
2. Use credit cards wisely – Avoid having too many credit cards.
Leave only one credit card for emergency but do not use it in buying items like clothing, shoes, and accessories when not necessary.
3. Make a shopping list – Always create a shopping list before shopping. This will hinder you from buying unnecessary things.
4. Avoid shopping alone –When shopping, try to at least have a friend or a family member to shop with you to avoid impulse buying. Shopping with another person makes you less likely to splurge by listening to their opinions and advices as you shop.
5. Look for an alternative – Take a walk or find a peaceful place to relax when you are feeling the urge to shop. You can also join a book club, play sports, or participate in volunteer works to preoccupy your mind with better things
6. Admit that you have a problem – According to research, women is more vulnerable to experience compulsive buying disorder. A study from the World Psychiatric Association suggests that 80% to 95% of people with compulsive buying disorder are women. When you cannot get enough with shopping spree, take into consideration that you may be having a compulsive buying disorder. There are addiction tests online, which you can take in order to find out whether or not you have shopping addiction problem. Admitting that you have a compulsive buying disorder will also help lessen your burden.
If the suggestions above fail to remedy your shopping addiction, consulting a counselor may be the next most logical solution to take. The result from your addiction test will also make a useful basis to discuss your condition with a professional. Upon visiting a counselor, you may be placed under a cognitive-behavioral therapy to help challenge your faulty thinking about shopping and help you correct your excessive shopping behavior.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1805733/
