1 of 24

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

well and truly damaged and need lifetime support. In any case, human choice is a factor. There are those who decide to take action and keep trying strategies until they find one that works. There are others who sit and whine and try to hold others responsible for their own negative choices. If we have a problem, it is our responsibility to own it and do what we can to solve it. That includes asking for and accepting appropriate help, but it does not include expecting others to provide a painless magic bullet that will make everything all right.

Recovery requires concrete behavioral changes such as using only cash, sticking to a list, or letting someone else do the necessary shopping for a while. Once the roller-coaster of disaster has been arrested, it is time to find out and deal with the underlying causes which are driving the behavior. Groups like Debtors Anonymous and simplicity circles can help. Financial counseling will provide no-nonsense accountability. Reading books can provide helpful insights. Individual counseling, group therapy, or relationship counseling may be the key to change. As with many other personal challenges, we must take responsibility for our dysfunctional shopping, keep trying, and get up one more time than we fell.

Further reading:
http://www.pubmedcentr al.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi? artid=1805733
World Psychiatric Association review of compulsive buying disorder

http://gailsaltz.ivill age.com/love/archives/2008/02/ compulsive-shopping.html
Dr. Gail Saltz

Learn more about this author, Christine G..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about When shopping turns into a shopping disorder?
We want to hear your view. Write now!