by Julie O'Brien

Created on: October 06, 2009

According to a 2006 Stanford University study 6% of the US population has a compulsive shopping or buying disorder and I am sure that number has increased in recent years, I could not find any recent statistics on this. The cause of addiction is an ongoing debate still being researched. Some of the causes of an addiction are:

1. Euphoria and at the same time Anxiety.

2. Compulsion to fill a void.

3. Self indulgence, that rush one feels at the peak of excitement.

Like taking a roller coaster ride. Unfortunately when there is an up, there must be a down. It is often brought on by Disappointment, Anger and Fear.

The characters of addiction are: Failure to control a behavior, increased tension prior to a behavior and pleasure while experiencing a behavior.

With the convenience and ease of access to the on-line shopping community and all the marketing techniques used to target those who may be vulnerable to them, it is no wonder there are so many becoming addicted. For some it can be a release from life's daily grind. For others it may be a way to feel better after a heart break. For some it is a way to experience the excitement of finding a treasure, like so many other addictions it is the thrill of the hunt. The forbidden fruit. It is not unlike gambling, or gold fever.

There are situations such as Agoraphobia where the agoraphobic can not leave there home and have not for many months or years, Internet shopping is the only way they can experience the thrill of finding or choosing there own products. And let's face it there is nothing you can't find on the Internet. It makes it quite convenient to sit in your living room and search for whatever your heart desires.

For some it may be done out of boredom. Others it may be a necessity, anyone who no longer drives or has a car, it is a way of getting what they need without the burden of finding transportation.

The Internet in itself can be addicting, but you couple that with the shopping networks where you actually get something physical from it and it can be the ultimate high. So if your on that road, step back and take a look around you, And ask yourself do I really need that item or is it just going to make me feel better for a little while, and become a dust collector? Maybe you can avoid getting caught up in the revolution of Internet addiction.

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