Anyone think that they may be genuinely addicted to shopping?

[OrchidLass]

I'm not sure if 'addicted' is the right word so forgive me if anyone is offended by my using it in this context.

I don't mean the 'oops look what fell in my basket again, don't tell the hubster' shite I sometimes see on social media because I'm not being light-hearted about this, I mean buying things that you know you don't really need and probably won't wear/use, yet still buy them.

I hate the environmental and moral issues that such a disposable society raises yet I think I have a real problem. I rarely throw anything out though I do pass things on to others etc., but that doesn't alter the fact that I buy things I don't need. If I feel happy I buy, if I feel stressed I buy, if I'm unhappy I buy.

I'm fully expecting to be told I'm a twat and to pull myself together and I'll be the downfall of the planet, but I'm hoping that among those (pretty accurate) statements someone may be able to give me some advise from their own personal experiences.

I definitely have a problem. You are not alone.

One thing I try to do is channel the impulse into buying used from ebay and charity shops, or small creators on Etsy.

Also, it is partly because I am disabled so I have a lot of time resting which turns into online shopping.

I still think I have a problem.

I have been thinking lately about what triggers it and what I hope to get from it. I think I like the 'hunt' and the sense of achievement. Although who am I kidding? It's a dopamine hit.

I find that creating is the best thing to knock the "high" of purchasing on the head.

Doesn't have to be anything fantastic. I've made Christmas wreaths, rag rugs, sewn things into plain t shirts... Anything to keep my hands busy and results in a "thing".

And no, I'm far from good at these things but I find it just kicks that "need" out of the way.

And if it can't be avoided, just do a hit of your Christmas or birthday shopping. Satisfies the "buy" impulse whilst also achieving something practical bit by bit.

And if it can't be avoided, just do a hit of your Christmas or birthday shopping. Satisfies the "buy" impulse whilst also achieving something practical bit by bit.

I do do this @thecatsthecats but then a few days later I'm buying something else. I hate myself for it.

If you mean shopping in person as opposed to online then I would definitely suggest charity shops. You get the satisfying feeling of not only picking up things you wouldn't find anywhere else but also the sense of achievement when you do find something you need. Because you have to spend time hunting it out!

100% problem here. I know it, my family know it. I get a little speech/beseeching every so often when things bubble over.

Most of my shopping is sale/second hand so I'm already being as virtuous as possible. I'm a sucker for a "bargain" - bargains that I don't need - but there's definitely a chemical hit, you've gamed the system and won.

I can be good for a month or two and then relapse having found a new category to focus on: scarves, gloves, bags, shoes, countless eBay goodies.

Ho hum. I haven't reached my rock bottom yet.

@FrDamo

100% problem here. I know it, my family know it. I get a little speech/beseeching every so often when things bubble over.

Most of my shopping is sale/second hand so I'm already being as virtuous as possible. I'm a sucker for a "bargain" - bargains that I don't need - but there's definitely a chemical hit, you've gamed the system and won.

I can be good for a month or two and then relapse having found a new category to focus on: scarves, gloves, bags, shoes, countless eBay goodies.

Ho hum. I haven't reached my rock bottom yet.

This is exactly how I feel. I love a bargain too.