This is the second piece in a three-part series on Compulsive Shopping by guest blogger Terrence Shulman, an expert in this area. Click here to read the first post in the series, “Are You A Shopaholic? And If So, Why Might That Be?”
With compulsive overshopping–as with any addiction–getting the right help is key. In addition, continuing to get help, change one’s lifestyle and understand the underlying issues increases one’s odds of maintaining longer-term “recovery.” Therefore, it is recommended that shopaholics seek the following help:
Specialized counseling or therapy (typically, general counseling will have limited benefit)—which will help with understanding underlying issues and development of a recovery program- Ongoing support groups (in-person, online, or by phone) such as Debtors Anonymous or Shopaholics Anonymous
- Medication—seek out an addictionologist or a psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions (some recent studies have shown the medications Naltrexone and Celexa have helped curb urges to shop)
- Books—read books that are relevant to this topic such as “Bought Out and $pent! Recovery from Compulsive $hopping and $pending” or “To Buy or Not to Buy”
- Avoid stores or online websites which might be too tempting to visit—especially in early recovery
- Tell key family and friends about your problem (if they don’t already know) and enlist their support in helping you stay accountable
- Fill the void left by stopping or reducing shopping with activities that are productive, affirming, and engaging
- Be on guard for substituting one addiction for another
- Avoid certain people who agitate you or who tempt you to shop with or for them
- Adopt various stress reduction activities such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or spiritual practices
Remember, recovery from compulsive shopping is a lot like recovery from compulsive eating or compulsive sex—the goal—unlike recovery from drugs, alcohol, gambling, shoplifting—is not total abstinence but balanced, healthy and moderate shopping/spending in time. Keep your eye on the prize or prizes: it may be to get out of debt, rebuild trust, recover lost time/opportunities and to learn who you really are. Embracing recovery allows new hope and discovery and greater peace and intimacy. If you are a parent, it also is very important to model healthy attitudes and behavior around money and spending and credit and about the relative importance of “stuff”: the children are watching and learning from us.
Terrence Shulman, JD, LMSW, ACSW, CAAC, CPC, is founder of The Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft & Spending and a sought-after expert in this field. In addition to providing counseling services and training other professionals, he has appeared widely in the media including Oprah, Prime Time, and 48 Hours. He is the author of “Bought Out and $pent! Recovery from Compulsive $hopping and $pending.” For more information and to contact Terrence directly, visit The Shulman Center website.
