I have a serious problem?

Question

I have an addiction. I'm a compulsive shopper. I know I am, I want to help myself, but I can never seem to do it. I shop mainly to make myself happy and out of boredom. I shop in malls and online mostly. I buy things just to buy them sometimes. If there's an item on sale and I don't really want it, I buy it anyway because it's cheap and I don't want anyone else to have it. I'm at a point where it's starting to really affect my life in a negative manner. I don't know what to do. I've talked to my mother and boyfriend about this. They try to help but I think their suggestions are things I won't accomplish. Right now, I have hardly any food in my apartment. I'm starving but can't afford to get myself food. However, I have a pair of $120 boots coming my way within the following week. I need help and I don't want to go to a therapist because they've never helped me. What do you suggest? If you have been in this position, what have you done to make your life better or manageable?

I should add that my rent is split with my boyfriend. He lives with me. I pay him $350/month and he takes care of the rest. I pay an electric bill that's around $70 and then of course gas and other expenses. However, my boyfriend's job requires him to travel quite a bit throughout the year so he isn't home all that often. My problem is spending the money that I should be saving. Or using to buy food.

Answer 1

Well, I suggest you stop wasting your money and use it for things you really need LIKE FOOD OR YOUR RENT! Wanting something is completely different from actually needing something. When your shopping online or at a store ask yourself if you really NEED to buy it before you do. I hope by answering your question that you will spend your money more wisely next time.

Answer 2

Here is a list of what you should do
1. Find out what your needs are such as food, rent, and medical/dentist appointments.
2. Make sure you are not in debt and if so find how much in debt you are.
3. Make sure you have a job and have good paying one if possible. Find out what it makes and make sure if it covers your needs.
4. Try selling things of your own that you have no use for or bought it just because.
5. Stick to a budget at stores when buying groceries.
6. Be cheap. If you need a haircut or something like that go to "Super Cuts" instead of a posh expensive place.
7. Limit your goods. Don't get manicures or hair extensions.
I hope this helps. I'm 12 so this won't help as much as a 30 year olds. Good Luck.

Answer 3

to start, id cut up all my credit cards so i couldnt order anything online anymore. Checks and Debit cards would go the same way. Get your work to direct deposit your checks. This way, you never have to see actual money. Have your bills come out of your checking account. after you get paid, withdraw 50-100 dollars at a time to buy groceries with and go directly to the store after you have the cash in hand.
If your grocer is connected to a mall, choose a new one..preferably one as far away from the mall as possible.
Also, as part of your recovery, dont go grocery shopping alone. take someone who knows you with you and make a list of things you need before you go. Hand the list to that someone else, and tell them not to let you get anything not on the list. Even if you truly need the item, itll also teach you to keep a tighter idea of what you really need and dont need.

good luck!

Answer 4

Hey there,i`m a guy and no i haven't had this problem but one addiction is very much the same as the next.
Get yourself out of the situation that makes you purchase goods all the time,if you hadn't have been wherever you were when you bought those boots then you`d have money for food.You have to recognize the times you are most likely to buy and then turn around and do something else you enjoy.
i know its easier said than done but you have to do this yourself babe.
Change your life style radically,go to the country for a spell and enjoy the peace and quite for once.
Material things aren't the bee all and end all of life.

Answer 5

You will have to go and see somebody professionally, despite the fact you don't think it works. Your addiction is the same as any addiction, be it drugs or alcohol or food and you will need help to get through it.

If you can't afford to eat, then you SERIOUSLY need to get help, it takes time but stick with it. You need more than a few sessions to see results.

Answer 6

the only thing you can do with a serious addiction is talk to someone. you need to ask your mom and boyfriend to limit your access to any $$ and ask a therapist to help you figure out what is causing you to completely ignore reality for a temporary high. good luck and hope you quit shopping soon!

Answer 7

well i had this one time and recognized it like you and decided to just stop it and it was sorta a release for me i mean if i felt down i could go out buy something and feel better and then i went and decided to go to thrift shopts by something for 50 cents and that helped alot so i would do that and now i have cut it out on myself. but you have to want to and you sound like you do you can do it its hard but you can and do it fast cause you sue don't want to spend all your money put it in saving sand leave it there and dont' spend on line its bad. just take care if it doen'st hlep best way is doctor i know sme do work.

Answer 8

lots of people have compulsions. Try to go a psychologist to get to the root of your problem