That is a tough one! I too spend a lot of time shopping on the internet since I don't drive and don't get to go to the malls. I find better deals on stuff through the internet too. But, aside from that, it becomes very expensive for me. I have had to just say no to myself and it works for me, but I'm not addicted. Reading and practicing a 12 step book sounds like a reasonable solution. I don't know the answer for you, you just have to learn to say no to yourself. Good luck with this, it is good that you are worrying about it and looking for a soluiton. That shows you are not too far gone in the addiction cycle.

I was in AA and I used the 12 steps to quit smoking as well back when. So I am sure that the 12 steps would work for overspending. But part of the thing is you would have to get out of the house.

There is a 12 step book for everything, that is non specific to anything and can be used for giving up everything under the sun. Anyway, that is one suggestion. You could use your buying addiction to buy that one book. I actually got my book at a used book store. It has the 12 steps in it and they can be applied to anything. I would think that the 12 steps are available online and you wouldn't have to buy anything.

When I buy some things, i used to have a habit of taking things back. Is there any way that you can return things? That way you feel better about buying the stuff to begin with. I used to think that I was addicted to returning things!

Also, there are OPEN AA meetings, which means that you don't have to be an alcoholic to go to the meeting. There are speaker meetings where they don't go around the room and identify themselves so anyone can attend. But the problem is, you can't get out of the house because of the heat. So what about going to a online group for OVERSPENDING? I am sure that there must be one on DS.

Try going to something online. Part of the way to succeed at this is having others' support and give you strength when you have an urge to spend. They give you tips on what to do when you want to do it. Also, there are reasons for overspending. I used to have a housemate who overspent and she got counseling for it. It helped. You need support for this. Good luck. I hope that you can get help for this and also try returning anything that is new and you don't really need. Just a suggestion.

Best of luck.

E.

Ok this is going to be vague but I remember a post out here where someone with MS was on a med with a side effect that increased addictive behavior ..but I forgot what med does that.

It is a long shot but talk to your doc to make sure your not on any meds that can contribute to these issues. Maybe talk to a counselor to see if they can address the pain and emotional history that might be contributing to this behavior. Then see what else you can do to fill your time in a way that fulfills you.

Good luck,
EP

That drug might have been abilify,ce it effects your dopamine , the pleasure chemical in the brain. an interesting nudge to my brain, I stated that it gets worse when in horrible pain. oh and those that might be taking opana ER, THEY CHANGED THE FORMULAand numerous people are complaining. the drug stores are running short. the manf. is trying to get the old formula back and not having much luck, leading to shortage. that does explain my recent increase in spending the lasr twovmonths. i know, not really an excuse and i do need to learn to STOP, im 47, shame on me, i should know better. and yes, i take things back because i know ive spent too much. when im feelin good and out of the house i do better. thank you all for your replies. y..

thanks for letting us know that drugs can do that to our brains. Glad that you have it figured out. Makes sense.

I think that i have an addiction as well. That is, to DS and posting on this site. So I am going to try to sit back and do some other things. I have a lot of things to do besides posting.

I wish there was a drug for that!! I just will have to journal and go one day at a time without DS until I get some things done.

I don't know, just asking. Can you block the shopping net work from your computer?

I can un subscribe from the various stores. old navy, ebay, bath, body works, clinique, Victoria secret,jc penny. that is a list right off my head. I don't watch the tv shopping networks, I'd be broke for sure. they really play that stuff up life you just have to have it. I over spend for various reasons . but I have to stop, last month I.didn't have enough money for my rent. Even though my bank pa
id the chech i ended uo with bank fees., now that's gone to far. Maybe by bringing it out has helped me, so everybody is reading thus, I need ti be more accountable instead if these quick "fixed" only ti result in more stress, worry about money. Typical symptoms of an addict,read a great article yesterday. all I'm rally gonna work on this fixable problem.love and hugs to all.