Honestly, could you go a year without shopping? It is estimated that one in twelve women is a shopaholic, but the phenomenon is not restricted  to women alone. More and more men discover the delights of buying new gadgets or clothes. But what makes a real shopaholic?

Causes

It’s not exactly clear what causes shopping addiction. Fact is that our consumer society makes it difficult not to spend money. Today’s people have the time and money to go shopping and the internet makes it possible to shop from the comfort of your home. Besides it has never been easier to use a credit card and accumulate debt.

Officially recognized disorder

In the American medical world shopping addiction is seen as an official disorder called compulsive buying disorder (CBD). Patients can be found in all age groups and income brackets. There are four kinds of shopaholics: bargain hunters, fun shoppers, comfort shoppers and compulsive buyers. The most probable explanation is that shopaholics shop to enhance their mood, to comfort themselves or fill a hole in their lives. Each purchase results in a brief high that goes as fast as it comes. Shopaholics keep making purchases to bring back that rush.

Not only women

Don’t be mistaken, not all shopaholics are women. Around 20 percent of all compulsive buyers are men. Men generally spend their money on cars and electronic gadgets, whereas female shopaholics buy clothes, shoes and jewelry. For men shopping addiction is often connected to social status and a longing for luxury.

Medication

Nalmefene is a drug designed to battle gambling and alcohol addiction. Studies have shown that nalmefene reduces the urge by no less than 60 percent. The drug could also be an effective remedy against shopping addiction because it lowers the production of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the chemicals responsible for the high and reduced stress levels experienced on a shopping spree.

Alison