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Why do I have a shopping addiction? Please read!?

Hi,I did the following:
Q&A: Why do I have a shopping addiction? Please read!?

I think I have a real problem with shopping. I can’t seem to stop. I don’t exactly know why I shop so much but it does make me feel good in certain ways…loved in a way. I’m 21 now..when I was younger and still now actually, my parents would just buy me whatever I wanted and if they said no I complain until they give in. Also, I do not have a job nor do I ever care to. I’m just fine with spending other people’s money. Yes, I know that sounds really awful but I’m just being honest. My fiance will buy me whatever I want as well. If I’m depressed..I shop..happy..I shop..angry I shop..well you get the idea. Most of the time buying is the only thing that makes me feel better again. But almost always, I feel guilty.While I’m shopping I think wow I should not be buying anything because I don’t have the money to pay for it. But that doesn’t stop me. I still buy. Then on the way home I feel guilty..and very disappointed in myself. I get depressed all the time so I’m always feeling like I need to shop. I hardly ever buy anything cheap. So that’s even worse. My credit card bill is up to about 00. For the last 7 months everytime I buy I swear it’s the last time I will buy..but sure enough I find myself right back at the mall the next day. My parents will often just buy me things to keep me from whining. I want to stop shopping I really do. I get bored really easily and can’t ever think of doing anything that doesn’t involve spending money. Please someone help me. Don’t tell me I’m a spoiled brat or anything because yes, I already am aware of that. I’m asking for help and an answer to why I have this issue. Thank you very much

Q&A:

Answer by Lena
I don’t know why you have that problem, but one time I watched a show on MTV of people who had a problem like yours. I remember that they even went to a therapist to help find out what their problem was.

Answer by Monluvst
I’m 26 now and still have that “problem”. I don’t know, you’re a young woman… The things that are available now make it hard to resist. About 3 yrs ago I racked up my cc by ,000… I wanted to keep up with the trends and styles, it was appealing to me. After I realized that I was totally screwed and in debt, I cut up the cards. Ever since it’s been easier because if i don’t have the cash I can’t buy anything. If you are serious about being an ex-shopaholic cut the cards!!!

Answer by girl
you shop for instant gratification. You have nothing fulfilling in your life, it is a habit that your parents started with you as a child and you are now stuck in it. The bought you things to shut you up, instant gratification. You don’t know how to feel good and happy without shopping. You are suffering from a very real addiction that will probably require therapy.

Answer by Jody
Addictions are anxiety based and fear driven.

If you realize your life has become unmanageable, and you can’t fix it yourself you can benefit from a 12-Step recovery program like Al-anon – and it’s free.

There are medications to help with the maddening obsessions and compulsions.

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