I've heard of stuff like this. I think that it may be typical. Although, it could be a lack of judgement as to what's right and what's not right to do, caused by the TBI. Just a guess.

I did something similar, but with food. After my stroke, if I wanted to eat it, I ate it (and had to pay for it). Gained who knows how many pounds (I'm no little guy.) I think in the back of my mind I was thinking "You only get one life and if you're going to live it, you should live it the way you want to."

The downside is that I'm now looking at other problems as the result of this. Including but not limited to my size, paying more for clothing that fits, and any associated health risks that come from being overweight.

So I guess in a way, I was doing the same thing as you. I was loving food and filling my life with it.

There may be several reasons for the compulsive behavior. An acquaintance i know had a stroke and she is compulsive with what she says. I am kind with my words to her but i let her know when she is saying or asking something that is inappropriate and i am not comfortable.

I have noticed a tendency to want to buy little junky things that i normal would not have done before my accident. I have made up some rule i have to follow before spending money. You may need to make up some rules and games to help you with the compulsiveness to help detour bad spending.

My emotions are more quick to come to the surface and out my mouth and so i try to really think before i speak. I say i am sorry alot.

It might help to have automatic bill pay.
I also have a household budget and i know exactly how much money is left at the end of each week. The left over money is what I can play with.

There is also the emotional side of wanting stuff for comfort. I love pretty cloths too. Don't completely deny yourself things; that will only add to the anxiety and the compulsion to over buy.

Have a buddy to talk to and go shopping with that will help you stay accountable for not over spend.

Find things to do that are meaningful that do not cost money or cost only a few dollars. I really enjoy a cupa decaf. latte and visiting with my friends.

Just brain storming for ideas that might help.

What are some things that you think you could do to counter the compulsive behavoirs? Let us know what works for you.

i'm not sure but there definitely a new desire for control in my life. i couldn't control accident. maybe it is all about control and lack of control - i hope you find a solution to this, perhaps talk to your doctor about it.

i was diagnosised with ocd also common with tbi one of many behavior cogitive disabilites i now shop in 3rs! everything! not satisfied unless i do sometimes i don't even notice it until someone points it out but prob is yes i got the 3 but will walk out with more most annoying and hard on the debit card!

take care