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phone book and let your fingers do the walking. There it is - "Shopaholics Anonymous"! You proceed to set up a free consultation.

A few moments later you dial another number. A child's voice answers. Your heart races.

"Hello, it's Grandma!"

- Shopping Addictions

The shopping addict, or compulsive shopper buys mostly to relieve anxiety. Eventually the buying leads to a dysfunctional lifestyle with the focus increasingly on shopping, and often the cover-up too.

Causes may include:

* Low stress tolerance
* Low self esteem
* Need to fill an inner void
* Need for emotional fulfillment
* Perfectionism
* Impulsive and compulsive tendencies
* Need to control

Types of behaviors displayed may include:

* "Trophy" shopping
* Shopping for "image"
* "Bargain" shopping
* Compulsive collecting

There are over 15,000,000 shopaholics in America today.

- You may be a compulsive shopper if you:

* Use shopping as a "feel-good" fix for the blahs or blues.
* Habitually spend more than you can afford.
* Have purchases left unused, unopened or "hidden".
* Feel guilty or ashamed about your shopping.
* Feel that your life would be richer if you shopped less.
* Have been unsuccessful at attempting to cut back on frivolous spending.

Shopping addiction is now recognized as a genuine and treatable illness. Don't hesitate to begin the journey to wellness - help is available for you and your loved ones!

For further information and support, please visit:

"Welcome to Shopaholics Anonymous"
http://www.shopaholi csanonymous.org/

Stopping Overshopping - Help for Shopaholics, Compulsive Buyers and Overspenders
http://www.stoppin govershopping.com/

Learn more about this author, Violet Fortune.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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