What Causes Shopping Addiction?

Posted: April 15, 2024

Is shopping always on your mind, whether you’re thinking about items you plan to buy or feeling guilty about previous purchases? Do you often feel a sense of euphoria after buying something, causing you to turn to shopping whenever you feel sad or stressed? Has shopping caused you to rack up credit card debt, or do you feel compelled to hide unnecessary purchases from your loved ones?

If any of this sounds familiar, you may have oniomania (commonly referred to as shopping addiction). As with other types of addiction—including drug and alcohol addiction—shopping addiction can result from surges of neurotransmitters. When someone shops, their brain releases dopamine and endorphins, and the feelings produced by these neurotransmitters can gradually become addictive.

You may have an increased risk of developing shopping addiction if you:

Have low self-esteem
Are anxious or depressed
Feel lonely or isolated
Are materialistic
Feel like you don’t have control over other aspects of your life

Are You Addicted to Shopping?

If you think you might have a shopping addiction, it’s important that you consult with a therapist who has experience treating this issue. Luckily, you can get the help you need at our practice. We understand the effect that shopping addiction can have on a person’s life, and we’ll develop a course of treatment that’s tailored to your personal circumstances. Contact us today and let us know that you’d like to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting with you.