Understanding Shopping Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to shop and spend money, often resulting in financial and emotional distress. Unlike regular shopping, this addiction involves a compulsive need to buy, regardless of the consequences.

 Causes of Shopping Addiction

Several factors contribute to shopping addiction:

1. Emotional Coping: People may shop to manage negative emotions like stress or loneliness.

2. Social Influence: Constant exposure to advertisements and societal pressures to own the latest items can drive compulsive shopping.

3. Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem or identity issues can lead individuals to shop as a way to feel better or fit in.

4. Ease of Access: The convenience of online shopping makes it easy to make impulsive purchases.