Let go of shopping with our expert shopping addiction treatment options.
Excessive shopping can be a dangerous addiction. Sometimes, the lure of new clothes or accessories becomes so strong that it’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to buy. When compulsive shoppers get into this cycle of buying and selling things they don’t need, it can become extremely difficult for them to stop. Luckily, there are treatments available for those who suffer from this type of addiction—and these programs have been proven effective at helping them end their habits once and for all.
CTRLCare Behavioral Health is a New Jersey mental health treatment center specializing in problematic technology use, including social media addiction and online shopping addiction.
Shopping addiction is a serious problem that affects the financial situations, relationships, and health of many people. The problem with excessive retail therapy is not the shopping itself but how it affects your life, relationships, and health.
Being an addict doesn’t mean that you’re weak-willed or unable to control yourself—it means that you can’t stop yourself from engaging in harmful behaviors despite knowing they’re bad for you. You may have tried to stop your addiction before but failed because it’s so hard to fight against the urge to buy things. For some people, the act of purchasing new goods activates the reward centers of the brain, which is a similar process to how people become addicted to drugs or alcohol. The brain begins to crave this feeling, causing a person to shop more and more.
We work with most major insurance plans that offer out-of-network benefits. We offer a free verification process so you know your options when seeking mental health treatment in Princeton. Our team will let you know what works best for your individual needs.
The Difference Between Compulsive Shopping and Other Addictions
Compulsive shopping, or compulsive buying behavior (CBB), is often described as an addiction. But people who compulsively shop may not be addicted to shopping, they may just have a behavior they can’t control. In fact, the two terms are not interchangeable:
There are many reasons why people shop compulsively, and they can vary from person to person. For example, some people may be trying to deal with feelings of stress or sadness by shopping. Others may be using shopping as a way to cope with problems in their relationships or at work. Still, others may have a hard time controlling their spending because they are living beyond their means and feel like they need more money than they earn.
While shopping can be an enjoyable activity, it can also be a way to deal with stress and other emotions. Some people feel better after they go shopping because they have bought something new or because they feel like they have accomplished something by finishing their errands.
Your treatment plan will likely consist of individual and group therapy. Your therapist may use techniques like CBT, DBT, or other strategies to help you overcome your shopping habits. A combination of therapies is often used to best meet each person’s needs.
Your therapist may also help you identify and address any underlying issues that could be contributing to your shopping habit. For example, if you have a history of trauma or abuse, your therapist may recommend exploring this in therapy.
Your therapist may also help you develop techniques to cope with stress. For example, if you have trouble managing your emotions, your therapist might teach you how to better regulate your emotions and distress levels.
Most treatment options for compulsive shopping include some combination of:
Issues addressed in online shopping addiction treatment include:
Learn more about all our programs and services and how it can help you or a loved one overcome mental health and technology wellness challenges.
To discuss our programs in more detail, contact our CTRLCare Wellness Team.
Shopping can be a fun activity and a great way to spend time with your friends or family, but personal responsibility needs to be the priority. Through treatment, a person may need to learn how to shop with moderation and avoid overspending or impulse buying.
Some tips for shopping in moderation:
CTRLCare Offers Shopping Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
The treatment plan is tailored to the individual and may include cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, stress management, family therapy, medication, and group therapy. Relaxation techniques may also be used for some people.
Online shopping addiction is a serious mental health issue. It can lead to financial ruin, relationship problems, and other serious consequences. If you or someone you love is coping with compulsive shopping, getting help as soon as possible is important. Online shopping addiction treatment centers offer the latest treatment options for those suffering from this condition. The best way to start dealing with an addiction is by talking about it with someone who understands what you’re going through—like an expert counselor at an online shopping addiction treatment center, such as CTRLCare Behavioral Health.
Focused on evidence-based therapies and integrated wellness programs, the unique, hybrid approach at CTRLCare Behavioral Health is designed to meet the needs and goals of the individual. For personalized treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, contact CTRLCare Behavioral Health today.
