How to Beat Your Shopping Addiction and Become a More Responsible Consumer

There might be worse addictions to have than a shopping one, but they can wreak havoc on your life if you don't nip it in the bud and get it under control. Nowadays, thanks to a seemingly endless number of shopping opportunities, this issue is a reality for far more people than you might think.

Even if you've never been too fond of hitting up your local mall, chances are you've been partial to an online shopping spree from time to time. It's this accessibility that's led to this addiction becoming increasingly normalized.

So, how do you know if you fall into this category, and if so, what can you do to beat this habit? We'll explore all of this and more throughout this article.

Is Shopping Addiction a Real Thing?

Shopping addiction is most definitely a real thing and typically falls into the category of 'compulsive buying disorder' or 'oniomania.' Although it's a condition that should always be taken seriously, it's normal to feel that your concerns about your buying habits will be brushed aside if you voice them. Remember, if your behaviors are uncontrollable, cause you distress, and affect your daily life, you deserve to be listened to.

How to Tell if You're Addicted to Shopping

You Regularly Buy Things You Don't Use

If you frequently purchase items that you never or hardly ever use, it might be a sign that you're suffering from a shopping addiction. We've all bought things that we didn't end up using over the years, but it's not something you should be making a habit of.

Buying Things Feels Like a Compulsion

Do you ever feel as if you can't leave a store or log off from an e-commerce site without purchasing something? If you have an urge to spend no matter what the item is or even if it's something you can't see yourself using, it's a sign you might be dealing with a bigger problem.

You Consider Shopping a Hobby

When you think about the ways you like to spend your downtime, does shopping quickly spring to mind? For many, hopping from store to store has become a hobby. It might seem harmless, but viewing shopping in this way may be a red flag.

You Sometimes Feel the Need to Lie About Your Purchases

Like with any other addiction, it's common for someone who's struggling to tell lies to cover up their actions. This indicates that the person recognizes on some level that they have an issue, and so have had to hide or lie about something they've done. When it comes to shopping, this is no different.

It's Affecting You Financially

Any habit that impacts your financial stability should never be overlooked or underestimated. You can find yourself in an incredibly sticky situation if you're compelled to shop leads or exacerbate any financial hardships. This can cause you to fall behind on other expenses, like rent, utilities, or car loans.

You Use Shopping as a Coping Mechanism

The term' retail therapy' is something we hear used a lot in recent years. It's a relatively harmless phrase, but if you resonate with this on a deeper level, it could signal you're relying on shopping to fight off negative emotions. Just like some people fall into alcohol or drugs during hard times, others look for comfort by shopping.

What Can I Do to Change My Shopping Obsession?

Ask for Help

If you've begun to realize that you have an unhealthy relationship with shopping, the next step is to reach out to others for help. It's not easy to admit you have a problem, but once you do, you'll be closer to overcoming it. Keep in mind that you might feel more comfortable speaking with a therapist than a loved one.

Examine Your Spending Patterns and Identify Triggers

One of the best ways to fight your addiction is to pinpoint any potential triggers for you. Spend some time reflecting on your past behaviors and look out for emerging patterns that can help you determine why you're finding solace in shopping.

Set Yourself a Budget

There's no use in telling yourself you're going to stop shopping completely, as there are some essentials you simply have to buy. Instead, set yourself a budget every week, and most of this spending should center around genuinely necessary purchases, with limited wiggle room for anything deemed as a 'want.'

Take Up a New Hobby

Rather than spend your free time browsing through different stores and websites, pick up a new pastime. Dedicate your usual shopping times to a healthier habit, allowing you to refocus your energy on something more productive and keep you distracted. 

Be Mindful of Your Social Media Habits 

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook can fuel your urge to shop. By reducing the amount of time you spend online, you'll have a better chance at avoiding the endless marketing ploys filling your timelines. This isn't the only way to limit your exposure to things that may tempt you to buy something. In addition to cutting down on social media, be sure to unsubscribe from promotional emails, clear your search history, and delete any shopping apps from your devices.

Stop Using Your Credit Cards

Credit cards have been revolutionary in many ways, but they can turn into your worst enemies if you're an avid shopper. Paying with a credit card can cause you to overlook the cost of an item, as it's easy to put it to the back of your mind until the end of your billing cycle comes around. Using cash or a debit card instead may encourage you to think twice about your spending.

Learn How to Keep Your Shopping Habits in Line

It may seem trivial at first, but it's important to remember that a constant compulsion to buy something new can have serious consequences. However, you can start by taking action today and kick this addiction to the curb.