We generally associate the concept of ‘addiction’ with the consumption of some substance or narcotic that generates a physical reaction in our body. However, in the modern era there is also another type of addiction that corresponds to a certain activity such as gambling, betting or work. Without a doubt these last tendencies have to do with the consumer society that surrounds us.

In this sense, we will stick to the phenomenon of shopping addiction , or more scientifically speaking, of oniomania. The inability to control this desire for compulsive consumption is what gives it the label of addiction, given the high degree of dependence. Renouncing the acceptance of the problem and its corresponding resolution adds more weight to considering this behaviour as a phenomenon to be taken into account like any other common illness.

How to detect shopping addiction?

Unlike what it may seem at first glance, it is not so easy to determine or detect a person with this pathology. We live in an era known as the “era of consumption”, where this activity is practiced as if it were a sport. We buy permanently, every day and at any time thanks to new technologies and distribution platforms.

Without going much further and avoiding complex explanations, shopping addiction is observed when the consumer loses any notion of real need when purchasing the product , even reaching the absurdity of buying things that will not even be taken out of the packaging. The user buys for the sake of buying; being sad or happy; enjoys the purchase process – especially by means of credit cards; feels a relief when making the purchase and a long etcetera of symptoms.

Causes of addiction

It is worth noting the explosion of businesses and companies dedicated to selling through online platforms or even applications on mobile devices that have adapted perfectly to consumer demands. The immediacy and ease with which any product can be obtained, aggravates the degree of addiction of those who suffer it. Nowadays, it is possible to make the purchase from the supermarket.

Similarly, the main cause that responds to this shopping addiction is not very different from conventional ones: it generally responds to profiles of people with deep personal problems, situations of depression or even low self-esteem, especially in individuals who consume textile products in industrial quantities.

Although it’s short and relatively easy to shop, it’s still a distracting time for anyone who’s going through an emotional bump. A moment to disconnect from bad thoughts is what a depressed individual always looks for. Another element that we must take into account is that the profile most affected by shopping addiction is that of young women.

Consequences and effects

The difficulties faced by those suffering from shopping addiction are not minor . The first resentment they find is in their own economic resources, necessary to face the basic expenses for the day to day. It has been the case that some individuals give up good food in order to cover material expenses.

Emotionally, the degrees of depression and sadness are extremely intense. The accumulation of unused objects generates an asphyxiating feeling of guilt. Not knowing where to hide the products, they become a reflection of the problem since they are in sight at all times.

Treatment

As it usually happens with any pathology, the first step to take is the recognition that the subject has with the shopping addiction . It is not insignificant to acknowledge it to one’s own relatives and friends in order to feel the psychological support. The environment must show real empathy and willingness to help the affected person. Therefore, the collaboration between these actors will be fundamental.

Obviously, the right treatment must be accompanied by many other measures. The help of a professional is indispensable, but another exercise of willpower lies in the control of consumption. For example, cancelling trust credit cards is a good method to follow. In some banking companies there is the possibility of restricting this type of service and/or product by limiting the amount of credit or consumer facilities.

Finally, we must take into account the increase of this problem in the global world, especially in Western societies. Some studies show a clear trend towards shopping addiction which, in the United States alone for example, has doubled in just under a decade from 5% in 2007 to 10% of the total population.