MONEY Magazine: Confessions of a compulsive shopper - Jul. 21, 2005

Interesting article on one woman’s experience with compulsive shopping. The article gives advice on how to overcome the problem.

Here are some signs of compulsive shopping according to the article:

5 signs you’re in trouble

If the following statements describe you, you may be at risk of being a compulsive shopper.

1. You get a ‘rush’ from shopping.
   Buying gives you a ‘high’ or a ‘pick me up’ similar to downing a few alcoholic drinks.
   
   
2. You buy items you don’t need.
   Your closets are full of unused possessions that still have the price tags attached.
   
   
3. You keep purchases secret.
   You lie about how much you’ve spent or what you’ve bought, and hide packages and receipts.
   
   
4. You buy with money earmarked for bills.
   Your debts are mounting, you’re maxing out credit cards, and collectors are calling.
   
   
5. You feel guilty and ashamed.
   Your shopping habits are causing problems in your relationships and interfering with work, but you still can’t manage to stop.