Shopping Addiction Support Group
Oniomania (also known as shopping addiction), is the compulsive desire to shop. Similar to other compulsive behaviors, sufferers often experience the highs and lows associated with addiction. The purchase generates a mood of satisfaction, gives their life meaning, and lets them forget about their sorrows.
I am new to this group. I am really scared my walls are caving in on me. I have really been out of control with my spending. I am hiding stuff from my husband. I am running to the mail box to get the mail to hide the bills. I have been bailed out 3 times. I always say this is the last time. And I live in a small Mountain town with no 12 step programs for shopping. I am really really scared. I hope this is my bottom.. Any advice ??? Anyone understand my madness !!! Thanks !!!
Have you talked to your husband about it? Also, I didn't even know there are 12 step programmes for shopping addicts! Might need to locate one myself...
Do you know why you shop? What triggers you to do it? I know when I am in certain moods that I can feel the pull and temptations. Before when it has been worse, I have given cards to my partner keeping one with only a daily budget (lunch etc) on it (or just have cash if easier) and also cleared all my saved passwords/accounts on my online accounts and changed passwords so that I can't recall them by heart. Just removing all temptations.
I also found it hard to go 'cold turkey' and cut all shopping, so you should allow yourself a small budget and designated day of the month for the purchase. It gives you something to look forward to, and time to really think about what you want. Mine ended up being mainly books to take up the time spent getting tempted haha!
But try and just give yourself a break, don't panic and hide from your husband. Talk to him, make a plan together so he can be there to support you :)