Shopping Addiction

Hey y'all, I need some advice. I am developing some OCD around my shopping addiction. There is no doubt I struggle with spending too much, but my OCD isn't helping. If anything it seems to be making it worse. The more I spend, the worse I feel, and the more rules I give myself to follow. I keep breaking those rules because I am addicted and then I just feel terrible. It's truly a vicious cycle. I think about my shopping addiction everyday and feel so shameful. I want to consult you all and ask if anyone else has had a similar experience with an addiction and how they combated it while simultaneously dealing with OCD. Any advice is welcome! Thank you!

User type: Member advocate

Username: Danielle Carter

Date posted: 9d ago

I'm so sorry that you're having such a hard time. It sounds like this is a vicious cycle that OCD has created for you. Have you thought about talking to an OCD Specialist about this?

Username: Madkins

Date posted: 9d ago

Yes, I have been through ERP and ACT already. I am asking other people who struggle with OCD and have an addiction what their experience is like.

User type: Therapist

Username: Stacy Quick

Date posted: 9d ago

Thank you so much for sharing this. I wonder about addiction support groups or like trying a 12-step program for this? But if you have OCD I would definitely recommend ERP as well. https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/shopping-addiction-treatment-options

Username: Joss4prez

Date posted: 9d ago

Hi!! I have experienced the same things and after reading this I’ve realized it’s linked to OCD! I’ve tried cash stuffing, limiting myself, budgets, everything under the sun to stop me from shopping. The only thing that helps me is looking at said item I’m about to buy, for awhile, sometimes I carry it around the store with me. And I just think, do I need this? Does it have a place? Could I use the money for something more important? And when you do buy something, it’s ok!! It’s life, you like to buy things, me too!! Don’t get mad at yourself. Don’t set harsh rules for yourself, although it seems it would help, it’s enabling you. Just take it one day at a time 🧘🏼‍♀️ Sometimes it helps to have an end goal in mind. Is there maybe something you want to save up for?