Addictive personalities can be easy to identify but having an addictive personality can be hard to curb. Addiction is more common than many may think. In a recent study, it was revealed that 23% of people had one or more addictions and 47% of all U.S. adults had at least one. It can be very common for someone who is in recovery to replace drug or alcohol abuse with another habit. This is what is known as a substitute addiction and can lead to more unhealthy behaviors that can actually endanger your recovery. So if you feel that you are replacing the urge to have a martini with the urge to swipe your credit card to buy your latest fashionista outfit, you may be a shopaholic. Here are a few signs that shopping may be your substitute addiction.
Purchasing Items You Don’t Need Just Because They Are On Sale
It is always great to get a bargain (especially with the holidays coming up and when you can get No Fuss Deal – Never Miss Another Deal! kind of alerts) but are you shopping just because an item is on sale? Do you actually need or even want the item? These are a few questions you should ask yourself the next time you are shopping for a bargain.
Compulsive Shopper
If you find yourself having a bad day and you are shopping to make yourself feel better you may be addicted to shopping. This type of shopper gains a sense of relief or joy after making purchases. A problem can arise when the shopper uses the compulsion of shopping as a coping mechanism and not dealing with the root of their emotions in a constructive way.
Buying Items Then Quickly Returning Them
If you are constantly buying clothes then returning them, this is called a type of bulimic shopping. You may be this type of shopper if you get a rush out of buying something followed by the shame of spending the money on it. It is important to know the signs of shopping bulimia and recognize that it not only hurts you but also hurts retailers as well.
Image Shopper
If you are the type of personality who enjoys seeking approval in others and are a people pleaser you may be susceptible to becoming an image shopper. These type of shopping addicts will pick up the tab for their friends even if they can’t afford it or buy highly expensive and highly visible items such as a flashy car or expensive shoes).
Constantly Shopping For The Perfect Item
Trophy shopaholics are constantly looking for the perfect item. The perfect outfit to go with the perfect shoes that go with the perfect handbag. You may deem it as just being a perfectionist but you may have a shopping addiction.
If you already have an addictive personality and are in recovery for another type of addiction such as drug or alcohol addiction you may want to look into counseling or recovery coaching. There are many resources that will be able for you to get back on track on the road to recovery.