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.

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/ Shopping Addiction Support Group

I've been caught

deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been out of control for a while. I spent $1700 in two days about two weeks ago and I've spent the rest of that time pawning anything I could just to make a few extra bucks. I was going to try to save that money, but of course I spent it as well. And now I can't afford my rent and my mother just found out. Now she's furious. She told me that I'm obviously not an adult as she had thought. She said because I did this, she now has the right to treat me like a child. Then she asked me why and I told her flat out that I couldn't help it at the time. She said that of course I could help it. Is she right? I always felt out of control, but is that a lie? I mean, do I really have control? Is this a real problem? I'm so confused right now. The need to spend money is burned into my flesh, or so I thought before tonight.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's a real addiction. It's no different that drugs.. it's just legal. People don't understand if they don't deal with it. IT IS NOT a matter of control. There are reasons we do this that have nothing to do with will power. Do not let you mother cause you to bash yourself. Yes.. it is a problem. I'm there too. But it is caused by something way beyond just shopping. I am currently working with a therapist to get to the root or many roots that causes my compulsive shopping but it is such slow painful work. WHen you are ready. try to find someone that has worked on this kind of thing before and work it out. I know if i can ever stop the urge i'll be a happier person. I hope the same for you. Hang in there.. you are not alone!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
thanks, lovbubsis. Yeah, my mom keeps throwing it back in my face. There's a lot of "well, I was going to go on vacation this christmas, but now I have to stay home because of you," going on right now. It's rough, but I'm trying really hard to stay strong.
deleted_user
deleted_user
But what are you doing in terms of help? How are you going about fixing the problem? Like any addiction, this is not something you can stop on your own. Your mom is reacting much like any family member of someone with an addiction would, short of putting you in rehab (I have alcoholics in my family and have seen this happen).

If you are to the point where you are spending your rent you need serious help. Your family won't always be there to bail you out.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would honestly recommend you seek support or therapy. It is very important to make sure that basic needs are met, like housing, food, etc. I don't mean to lecture, I'm sure you know this, but if your spending habits are this out of control please talk to someone. I don't agree with your mother bashing you but I can understand why she is frustrated with the situation.
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