Understanding Compulsive Spending:

Compulsive Spending:

Compulsive spending, also called oniomania or compulsive buying disorder (CBD), is a behavioral addiction where a person feels an uncontrollable urge to buy things, often unnecessary items, despite negative consequences. It’s more than just “impulse shopping” — it can significantly impact a person’s finances, relationships, and mental health.

 Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Key Features

Irresistible Urges: Feeling a strong, often irresistible need to buy something, even when it isn’t needed.

Emotional Triggering: Shopping is used to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or low mood.

Temporary Relief: Buying provides a short-lived sense of pleasure or relief, followed by guilt, shame, or regret.

Financial Consequences: Overspending, debt accumulation, or hiding purchases from loved ones.

Loss of Control: Repeated attempts to cut back or stop are often unsuccessful.

Psychological Factors

• Emotional Regulation: Compulsive buying can serve as a way to regulate negative emotions.
• Low Self-Esteem: Purchases may provide temporary validation or self-worth.
• Impulsivity: Difficulty resisting urges or delaying gratification.
• Materialism: Strong focus on possessions as a source of happiness.

Signs to Watch For

• Frequent buying unnecessary items.
• Concealing purchases or receipts.
• Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to shop.
• Spending beyond means or ignoring bills.
• Experiencing guilt but continuing the behavior.

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Identify triggers and challenge irrational beliefs about shopping.
• Develop alternative coping strategies.

Financial Counseling

• Budgeting and debt management skills.

Support Groups

• Groups like Shopaholics Anonymous can help reduce isolation and shame.

Medication (SEE A PSYCHIATRIST)

• For underlying anxiety, depression, or impulse-control issues.

Key takeaway: Compulsive spending is rarely just about money — it’s an emotional and behavioral pattern. Addressing the underlying triggers is as important as managing the financial consequences.

Shervan K Shahhian