Self-Help Groups for Shopping Addiction

Looking for a self-help group for shopping addiction? Surrounding yourself with a community of people who have shared the same or similar experiences can be extremely helpful. Like most problems in life, it can help to talk to others who know exactly what you’re dealing with because they’ve been there, too.

Signs of Shopping Addiction

Everyone overspends now and again, but around six percent of the U.S. population is thought to have a true shopping addiction. The disorder typically begins in the late teens or early adulthood.

It often co-occurs with other disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, other impulse control disorders, and personality disorders. If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one’s shopping is out-of-hand, start by determining if these characteristics apply.

• Buy things you don’t need even though you can't afford them
• Engage in binge shopping
• Experience a strong urge to buy
• Feel disappointment, stress, and guilt after shopping
• Hide purchases for fear others will think what you’ve bought is irrational
• Respond to direct mail offers
• Spend all or part of any money you have
• Use “retail therapy” to deal with stress

If the majority of these characteristics apply, you or your loved one may have a compulsive buying disorder.

Reasons to Try a Self-Help Group

A self-help group for shopping addiction can help people gain insight into their addiction. Here's an overview of some of the other benefits of joining a group.

• Identify and sidestep emotional triggers 
• Develop a network of nonjudgemental people 
• Avoid feeling isolated or helpless
• Talk openly about your experiences and feelings
• Relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
• Gain a better understand addiction as a disease 
• Find resources for treatment

Here, we take a look at the variety of self-help groups for people grappling with compulsive buying disorder, as well as for their families and friends. Whether you prefer to join an online support group or supplement the support you get at in-person meetings with online meetings, find one that's right for you.