info > Addictive Behaviors > Addiction to Shopping Addiction to Shopping
Shopping can be a drag for some and fun for others but for someone who is addicted to shopping it is neither. The compulsive shopper experiences all the general symptoms associated with addiction.
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People who shop for the "high" it gives them suffer from obsessive
thoughts about spending when they are not actually acting it out. Their
behavior when shopping has a compulsive quality to it. It feels
uncontrollable. Their failure to control their spending impacts
detrimentally on all other aspects of their lives.
Compulsive shoppers believe that shopping will make them feel better.
They often shop when they feel depressed, lonely, bored or angry.
Shopping offers a palliative for their suffering. While they are
spending they experience the kind of euphoria that is similar to the
"high" induced by drugs.
While they are on this "high" they tend to spend outrageous amounts of
money on things that they don't need. Their closets are full of items
still bearing their tags. The "high" comes with the spending, not with
the enjoyment of what is purchased.
Because they lose their ability to buy within their means they are
constantly in financial trouble and often dogged by collection
agencies. When the "high" of shopping dissipates they are left with the
guilt and shame so characteristic of the addiction cycle. The guilt and
shame may contain the urge for a short while but ultimately it leads to
the need to alleviate the bad feelings through another bout of spending.
Relationships, jobs and financial obligations suffer as the uncontrolled spending leads the addict deeper and deeper into debt.
There are a number of established organizations that provide help and
support for those struggling with a shopping addiction. Compulsive
spending is often coupled with other addictive behaviors so working
with the right kind of professional help along with the support of a
self-help group is the most effective treatment.
Sentences: 19
Words: 321
Shara
posted: 2006-03-30 05:41:24
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Shopping addiction
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Where in Louisiana can I get help with this addiction?
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Stoney
posted: 2006-04-18 11:11:52
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yea right...
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There is no such thing as a shopping addiction. whoever claims they do is crazy...sorry!
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AP
posted: 2006-04-20 09:12:16
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SHopping Addict
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I need help here in Michigan. Are there any resources.
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christina
posted: 2006-04-21 09:18:43
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addiction
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Hey i think its alright to have this addiction as long as you know when to stop and dont go bankrupt. My stepmom as this so called addiction, and trust me she has alot o clothes but she can stop herself. its okay plus if you need help have somone budget your money!:)
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brooke
posted: 2006-04-24 09:44:27
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there is such a thing
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some people cant say no! shopping is an addiction to some it makes you feel good, like a drug. if you have this problem SEEK HELP
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Stephanie
posted: 2006-04-30 18:27:52
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Hey
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Um i've never heard of anyone having a shoppinmg addiction but is sounds fun and at least u get alot of clothes and shoes!
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Stacy
posted: 2006-05-01 08:25:17
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case studies
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This addiction really interests me and i want to write my psychology paper on it. does anyone know where i can find a case study to use in my paper?
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standy
posted: 2006-05-01 14:08:13
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yeah, right!!!
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there is no such thing of a shopping addiction at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mimy
posted: 2006-05-03 14:23:58
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Its intresting to know.......
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it is realy intresting to know that a shopping addiction exists i dont really know any one that has that problem though....
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Brooke
posted: 2006-05-09 17:04:06
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i hate to tell you...
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i have had a shopping addiction now for 6 years.it is only now that i habve started to get help.it all started with a divorce with my parents, then my Father giving me an allowance,is where it started..i became dependant on him..now i have built up more and more spending habits.He gave me about 30 dollars a week at the start (6 years ago)and i realised i was out of cntrol when i couldnt even survive on 3000 dolars a month, 1000 a week(right now)It became obsessive and i became ashamed, i would cut labels off clothes and hide reciepts,cancel bank statements being sent to my house and i would constantly obsess over clothes shoes and accessories, and expensive jewellery, i would hide the fact that i bought 17 of the same tee shirt, all diffrent colours and then i would buy clothes giving me a temporary high for a few days.i knew i had a problem when i starrted to find hundreds of shopping bags under my bed, in my wardrobe, with some dresses and skirts in them, still the same way in their tissue paper, unworn with tags on.seriously, i lived a lifestyle i couldnt afford to keep.My father still doesnt mind, but im setting myself up for a big dissapointment whern i am older and my boyfriend has helped me to control my obsession,for those who have this problem, there is a way to get out of it,suopport and love is a good start, and i suppose the hand of God.
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philli
posted: 2006-05-10 00:41:20
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speech
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hey im from gisborne new zealand im doing my speech on shopping addictions i was wondering if ne1 had ne ideas on it??eg.how 2 cure it,your stories,scientific evidence etc.thanks 4 ya help!
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shoperz
posted: 2006-05-12 12:03:21
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shopping
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its harsh. I think people struggle with the fine line between materialism and want/need. whos to say. sad indeed
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searchself
posted: 2006-05-12 22:11:31
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Overshopping, Shopping Addiction
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I am a psychologist and I specialize in working with overshoppers. I see that a lot of you are looking for help. I invite you to consult my website www.stoppingovershopping.com
April Lane Benson, Ph.D.
Editor, I Shop, Therefore I Am: Compulsive Buying and the Search for Self
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Jane Freeman
posted: 2006-05-16 07:23:17
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Shopping Addiction? Another Lie.
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This type of sad story is so, so common - but this doesn't make it any less disturbing. Not many people will realize this but this whole classification thing of 'addictions' and 'disorders' is a great big, money-making con, instigated by the large pharmeceutical companies. 'Shopping addiction' is yet another fabricated idea to rationalize a pre-existing motivation within medicine and psychology to use stimulant drugs to control behaviour. There's even an 'internet addiction' - give me a break!
A colleague of mine has been the key medical expert in many civil and criminal suits including individual malpractice cases and product liability suits against the manufacturers of psychiatric drugs (Glaxo Smith Kline, for example). And we know what they're up to! These companies will continue to employ psychiatrists and psychologists to 'make up' new 'diseases' and 'disorders' which have to be treated (immediately or after psychotherapy)with these profitable drugs - at the expense of the tax-payer. But don't get me wrong: the drugs do achieve their primary or essential effect. They do that by causing brain dysfunction. Yes, instead of correcting biochemical imbalances (which are a lie, anyway), psychiatric drugs cause them, and usually permanently. Nonmedical professionals, like psychologists, social workers etc, can cure your 'addiction' and agressively push drugs on you. But then my nonmedical next-door neighbour could also cure your addiction (or suppress any of your behaviour): He could drive you into a wall at 100mph hour and make you disabled. You wouldn't be able to continue with your 'addiction' then either. These drugs essentially do the same - they make a person less able - they disrupt neurotransmitter systems.
You know, if we let this madness continue, our society is going to the dogs. The story above is just one of so, so many. This is such a destructive and deadly scam, effecting our whole society and culture. In fact, our future.
If your're interested (and you should be!), please visit my site and fill out the contact form for my monthly newsletter. Want to know where our country is going if we let this continue? Please visit: http://www.addiction-helpline.co.uk
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75% off
posted: 2006-05-19 07:02:56
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make it stop
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i only want the best bargains out there.....and when i find them it is such a HIGH.....like five bucks for an awesome pair of jeans....
for me the shopping experience is a game...like "THE BIG HUNT"...gotta get out there once/twice weekly.....please help me.....
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Mona
posted: 2006-05-21 12:41:44
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Shopping Addiction
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There IS such a thing as shopping addiction and anyone who wrote a post here saying there isnt..is either 15 yrs old or ignorant.They are lucky they dont suffer with this as it is as real as any other addiction. I wish it was as easy as "not shopping", but the emotional drivers that led me down this horrible path are still haunting me. Until I get rid of them, I will never stop and never feel better.
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CB
posted: 2006-05-23 16:15:31
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Shara-
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Hi, I'm in louisiana too, and so far can't find ant resources. I', not in debt, because I don't have any credit (that's the only reason), ans I want help, but all I can find is debtors anonymous.
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Daughter of Addict
posted: 2006-05-27 17:56:16
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Addicted Shopper with Money
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My sister & I are very concerned about our Mother. She is addicted to all Home Shopping Networks on TV & mostly the Jewelry station . We lost our Dad and the love of her life just 5 yrs. ago yesterday. We are mature women in our 50's. Our Mom is 75yrs. She is not confined to home and honestly doesn't even look her age. Her main health problem is Lupus but she seems to get better control over it with education. She is very smart and between her & our Dad they have plenty of money and property. I'm not sure exactly how long this has been going on but I returned from Fl. in Nov. because of hurricanes + my sisters intuition of a brewing problem with our Mom.
I lived with her almost 5 months . I was in shock at all of the jewelry she had purchased but I figured if it makes her happy + she can afford it 'who cares' ..... (?)
Well it escalates further each day now . She has every symptom of an addict on heroin or any other drug. We don't want to take her happiness away but we want to help her understand this is a sickness + needs to be treated by understanding 'why' and what in the heck to do with it all. She has been a shopper for YEARS maybe all of her life . She has a 3 car garage that is filled up with stuff... deals and she doesn't even know what she has anymore. In fact she has a 4 level 4 bdrm home that is getting harder to move around in because of all of the stuff as well. . . Our Dad was concerned about this before he died so she would actually sneak at first + then just became depressed.
Now that he has died she has given her-self permission to take it to the limits. She also gives us gifts constantly. This sounds like a sweet thing + it is, but we'd rather her go to counciling to figure the real problem. I think it is partly loneliness now, but it is also obcessive. Please advise me in Oregon.She does admit she is addicted so this is a good thing. Anyone know any coucilors or where to start ?
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Mama
posted: 2006-06-04 17:31:54
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Connecticut
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where in CT can I find support for this?
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John
posted: 2006-06-15 18:23:50
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My girlfriend
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My girlfriend has this problem but shes rich so it doesn't matter.
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Saphire
posted: 2006-06-19 19:47:38
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Shopping IS an addiction
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It makes me sad and frightened that we live in a world where people are so ignorant to even suggest that shopping 'couldn't possibly' be an addiction. Just think of that statement. Of course its an addiction! Why wouldn’t it be? Think of all of the things out there that are ‘scientifically’ proven to be an addiction; alcoholism, gambling, etc. If you need science to back you up, how about going and looking up the studies that prove different parts of the brain are more active during the process of an addiction. Also if you look up the pure definition of the word ADDICTION it reads “…Addiction is chronic disorder proposed to be precipitated by a combination of genetic, biological/pharmacological and social factors. Addiction is characterized by the repeated use of substances or behaviors in spite of serious consequences. Addiction is often applied to compulsive behaviors other than drug use, such as overeating or gambling. In all cases, the term addiction describes a chronic pattern of behavior that continues despite the direct or indirect adverse consequences that result from engaging in the behavior. It is quite common for an addict to express the desire to stop the behavior, but find himself or herself unable to cease. Addiction is often characterized by a craving for more of the drug or behavior, increased physiological tolerance to exposure, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the stimulus. Many drugs and behaviors that provide either pleasure or relief from pain pose a risk of addiction or dependency.” So any of you reading this; disregard the moronic people on here stating that ‘its not real’. Obviously they are either extremely bored and have nothing better to do, they are 6 years old, or they enjoy messing with the minds of people with problems. Either way, don’t listen to someone who has never gone through the addiction themselves. Shopping is a scary and serious addiction just like anything else in this world people get addicted to.
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jennifer
posted: 2006-06-28 19:29:21
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shopping addict
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I'm in chicago, any resources for revory groups here? I have a severe shopping addiction and I am buying the same things over and over again just for the rush.
I don't even wear any of them!
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Laurie
posted: 2006-07-02 18:58:19
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shopping addict
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I have just recently addmitted to my family how severely I have this problem. This almost resulted in the loss of my marriage of 24 years and my home. People need to undersand that this is very real. It does give you a high of sorts. I was in denial when it came to our finances. I would tell my husband that we were doing just fine, believing it as I said it, then panicking as to how I was going to pay the bills on time. I asked my husband to take the checkbook and ALL of my credit cards. He did take the credit cards but let me keep the checkbook but we go over it together. I know that I need to seek help or it won't go away.
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liana andasley priest
posted: 2006-07-05 20:43:08
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i love bo and kodie
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i love mikkie mouse and minnnie mouse and pooh and
dora
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Clinical Professional
posted: 2006-07-14 08:05:55
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look at the literature
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I feel there are few professionals in the psych field (the field I am in) that would deny the reality of a shopping addiction. If you think it was "created" by drug companies or other money makers, I feel you are being extremely closed minded. Many people suffering from what some would deem more "real" addictions (drugs and alcohol) replace those things with spending/shopping. It is truly another way of finding a "high". Most people who I work with in the field are not using drugs to treat this. This is something treated by therapy and any drugs that are being prescribed are most likely being used to treat an accompanying condtion (such as depression). If you thing that "Nonmedical professionals, like psychologists, social workers etc," . .. "agressively push drugs on you" then I suspect you have not worked with many in the field. That is the LAST thing most want to resort to!! And certainly not in this case!
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Scott
posted: 2006-08-08 16:55:09
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Addictions
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All addictions come from the need for love. It is a evil spirit and needs to be repented and cast out. It doesn't happen the first time either. Addictions come out of rejection, unloving(where you can't give love or receive love),jealousy and envy. These are all evil spirits. I challenge you to seek them out in the bible. The only way to get out of addictions is to know how much God loves you. It is in the bible look for it. Go tyo the above website for help.
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cdc
posted: 2006-08-13 02:45:54
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my mom
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my moms a dirty hore and spent all the family's money on her self and my dad beat me when he was drunk
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kamisha
posted: 2006-08-27 17:48:50
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I love to shop
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during the time I stay sick with cirrhosis of the liver that's the only thing that got me through the day besides god. I use shopping to help me feel better about myself. That's what got me going eveeryday but I did have a buget so I do know how to controle myself. And to this day I still shop and enjoy it
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alexis
posted: 2006-08-31 14:16:06
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addictions
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My mom just confessed that she has put our family into credit card debt over the past 10 years. I feel ti\orn between my parents. My dad won't talk to my mom and my sister has written my mom off. I'm the only one talking to all sides and trying to keep some sense off peace. I can't turn on my mom and the rest of my immediate family is hurt. What can i do at this point in time? We are having a family "meeting" in a few days, what kinds of questions and conversation can I contribute without this getting ugly (in terms of divorce) and find resolution? Please take this serisouly and give any advice that you might have.
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telling it like it is
posted: 2007-05-15 19:07:29
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IT IS REAL
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for whoever that thinks that this is not real, IT IS!! addiction is anything that you HAVE TO DO.......it takes control of your life, some of you don't have it, if you can stop it, you are not addicted, if you can't; you are
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telling it like it is
posted: 2007-05-15 19:08:20
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IT IS REAL
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for whoever that thinks that this is not real, IT IS!! addiction is anything that you HAVE TO DO.......it takes control of your life, some of you don't have it, if you can stop it, you are not addicted, if you can't; you are
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Annie
posted: 2007-05-16 09:17:28
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i want help
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how does being addicted to shopping effect the chemicals in my brain, and why do i do this?
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Mitch the bomb
posted: 2007-06-06 07:44:43
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There is no shopping addiction
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There is no shopping addiction. I have never heard of it so it is not real!!!!!!!!!! You all just like to shop for pete shake. Just buy less!!!!!!!1
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E Kibitz
posted: 2007-06-21 13:50:08
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Test for Shopping Addiction
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Test yourself for signs of shopping addiction or compulsive shopping with this assessment...
http://www.behaviorhealth.bizcalcs.com/Calculator.asp?Calc=Compulsive-Shopper
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Joanna
posted: 2007-06-24 12:09:12
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Wichita, Kansas
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Where can I get treatment in Wichita, KS?
Thanks
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Stephen
posted: 2008-01-08 12:14:44
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Un-Educated
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few of you know the facts. the rest of you sound un-educated and your dialogue sounds very stereotypical of young stupid girls. (ex. UM? a lot of clothes and shoes? etc...) LEARN BEFORE YOU SHARE YOU'RE AIR HEAD THOUGHTS
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Stephen
posted: 2008-01-08 12:14:49
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Un-Educated
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few of you know the facts. the rest of you sound un-educated and your dialogue sounds very stereotypical of young stupid girls. (ex. UM? a lot of clothes and shoes? etc...) LEARN BEFORE YOU SHARE YOU'RE AIR HEAD THOUGHTS
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Stephen
posted: 2008-01-08 12:14:52
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Un-Educated
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few of you know the facts. the rest of you sound un-educated and your dialogue sounds very stereotypical of young stupid girls. (ex. UM? a lot of clothes and shoes? etc...) LEARN BEFORE YOU SHARE YOU'RE AIR HEAD THOUGHTS
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microsoftgo
posted: 2008-01-21 19:33:50
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microsoft go
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black as a sapling off my dad competing we watched with my for the
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pen282009
posted: 2008-01-27 07:23:48
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it is real
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I have just finished a case study report regarding materialism – and shopping addiction. It is just a real as any other addiction – and the consequences are just as devastating as drug/alcohol abuse.
There are people who believe is isn’t a serious problem, along with the fact that shopping addiction seems to be glamorised in the media, certainly not considered the same way as drug or alcohol addiction / addicts.
I am now designing a piece regarding shopping addiction – it is sad to hear addiction destroying peoples lives. It should be taken more seriously –this is the aim.
If anyone thinks they can help with by telling me their story, I would appreciate it.
If you prefer, leave a comment requesting my email address and maybe we could email…
thanks.
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