Shopping addiction (oniomania): signs, causes, effects, and treatment

Shopping addiction is characterized by an intense, uncontrollable urge to purchase goods, often negatively impacting one's life by exacerbating financial difficulties and emotional distress. This compulsive behavior typically involves recurring shopping sprees, preoccupation with buying, lack of control over spending, and emotional elevation upon purchasing. Causes include neurobiological factors, low self-esteem, social pressures, easy access to credit, and cultural influences.

The symptoms of shopping addiction are marked by frequent shopping episodes, emotional distress when unable to shop, neglect of personal responsibilities, significant debt accumulation, secrecy about purchases, an immediate rush post-purchase, and acquiring new credit cards without resolving existing debts.

The effects of shopping addiction encompass financial instability, worsening mental health, hidden behavior patterns, strained personal relationships, and potential legal ramifications.

Treatment for shopping addiction primarily involves group cognitive-behavioral therapy, guided self-help, participation in support groups, and pharmacological interventions. These approaches aim to modify behaviors and reduce compulsive buying habits.

What does shopping addiction (oniomania) mean?

Shopping addiction, also known as oniomania or compulsive buying disorder, is a behavioral addiction marked by an uncontrollable urge to shop, even when it leads to financial hardship, damaged relationships, and recurring feelings of shame and regret. This addiction is often fueled by the short-term adrenaline rush or emotional relief that shopping provides, particularly in response to stress, anxiety, or low mood.

The compulsion to shop becomes a psychological coping mechanism rather than a rational activity. According to an article titled, “Shopping Addiction: A Brief Review” published by Niedermoser and Petitjean and featured on Consensus, compulsive buying is driven by both emotional dysregulation and reward-seeking behaviors, which can mirror the neural mechanisms involved in other behavioral addictions.

Common symptoms include repetitive and excessive purchases, frequent shopping sprees, and a constant preoccupation with acquiring items regardless of actual need. Individuals often struggle to control their spending, conceal their purchases, and prioritize shopping over personal and professional responsibilities, leading to worsening financial problems and emotional distress.

Is shopping addiction a mental illness?

Yes, shopping addiction is considered a mental health condition. Also referred to as buying-shopping disorder (BSD), it is recognized in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and affects approximately 5% of the adult population. Individuals with BSD experience compulsive and repetitive shopping behaviors that lead to emotional distress, financial harm, and impaired daily functioning. According to a study by Müller and Brand published in 2022, BSD shares core features with other behavioral addictions, including impaired control, emotional triggers, and neurobiological disruptions in the brain’s reward system. Although not yet included in the DSM-5, growing evidence supports its classification as a legitimate psychological disorder that warrants clinical attention and treatment.

What is a shopaholic person?

A shopaholic, or an individual with compulsive buying disorder, exhibits a relentless drive to shop, often investing excessive time and money in acquiring items regardless of their necessity. This behavior is typically driven by emotional distress, such as anxiety, stress, or boredom, providing temporary relief through the act of buying. However, the satisfaction derived from shopping is short-lived, leading to repeated compulsive spending episodes. These cycles can precipitate financial instability and strained personal relationships, while the individual struggles to manage their spending habits despite recognizing the damaging consequences.

Is shopping addiction an actual addiction?

Shopping addiction, clinically referred to as compulsive buying disorder, is acknowledged as a genuine behavioral addiction. It manifests through compulsive and uncontrollable purchasing behaviors, which provide transient gratification but yield adverse outcomes over time. According to a 2016 study by Granero et al., titled "Compulsive Buying Behavior: Clinical Comparison with Other Behavioral Addictions," the prevalence of compulsive buying behavior (CBB) among adults is estimated at 4.9%, with variability from 1% to 30% based on the sample examined.

Why is shopping addictive? 

Shopping becomes addictive primarily because it activates the brain’s reward system, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement. This surge creates a temporary emotional high, similar to what is seen in other behavioral addictions. Over time, individuals begin to associate shopping with relief from stress, anxiety, or low mood, reinforcing the behavior. As this pattern repeats, the brain learns to crave the emotional reward tied to buying, leading to compulsive and hard-to-control shopping urges even in the face of negative consequences.

What are the signs and symptoms of shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction, or compulsive buying disorder, involves recurring behaviors that signal an individual's struggle with excessive spending. The primary signs and symptoms include:

• Frequent Shopping Sprees: Characterized by impulsive, recurrent shopping episodes exceeding financial limits, these sprees are driven by the temporary mood boost provided by acquiring new items.
• Preoccupation with Shopping: A persistent focus on shopping dominates daily thoughts, distracting from important tasks and responsibilities. This preoccupation often co-occurs with neglect of personal and professional duties.
• Inability to Control Spending: Despite recognizing negative consequences, individuals cannot curb their spending habits, leading to financial instability and growing debt. A 2023 study from the International Journal of Consumer Studies noted that financial dissatisfaction worsens as debt increases due to inadequate budget adherence.
• Emotional Distress: Shopping often serves as a coping mechanism for emotional stress, anxiety, or depression, offering temporary relief but no long-term solution. This behavior is linked to increased rates of depression and other negative health correlates, as detailed in a 2022 study by Farhat et al.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Affected individuals frequently neglect personal and professional obligations in favor of shopping, leading to missed deadlines and ignored duties.
• Accumulation of Debt: Accumulating significant debt through extensive credit card use, loans, or borrowing is a hallmark of shopping addiction. A study by Achtziger et al. (2015) highlighted compulsive buying as a mediating factor between debt and self-control.
• Secrecy About Purchases: Compulsive shoppers often deceive others about their spending to avoid criticism, as revealed in a 2022 study by José Manuel Otero-López.
• Emotional Rush Post-Purchase: The temporary high experienced after buying is akin to other addictions, motivating continued shopping to recapture this feeling.
• Acquiring New Credit Cards: Affected individuals commonly open new credit lines without resolving existing debt, exploiting the heightened reward system activation associated with credit card use, as reported in a 2021 study by Banker et al.

What is it like to live with a shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction traps individuals in a cycle of emotional highs and lows, characterized by temporary excitement or relief from stress during purchases, followed by overwhelming guilt, regret, and anxiety over financial consequences. Those affected are relentlessly preoccupied with shopping, experience a thrill when acquiring new items, and struggle to curb their spending despite acknowledging its harm.

The constant concealment of purchases, increasing debt, and strained relationships exacerbate feelings of shame and powerlessness, making it difficult to overcome the addiction. This compulsive behavior not only disrupts personal finances but also impacts mental health and interpersonal dynamics, often leading to a vicious cycle of emotional distress and compulsive buying.

How to identify yourself as a shopping addict? 

You may identify yourself as struggling with shopping addiction if you frequently experience an uncontrollable urge to shop, often buying items you do not need or cannot afford. Common traits include feeling anxious or restless when unable to shop, using shopping as a way to cope with emotional stress, and experiencing a short-lived sense of relief or excitement after making purchases. Over time, this behavior may lead to financial strain, hiding purchases from loved ones, and neglecting responsibilities to prioritize shopping. You may also find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of buying, repeatedly trying and failing to cut back, or feeling guilt and regret after shopping. These behavioral changes suggest that shopping is no longer a choice but a compulsive pattern interfering with your well-being.

What leads to shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction, or compulsive buying disorder, emerges from a combination of neurobiological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Neurobiological theories highlight disruptions in neurotransmission within serotonergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems, which contribute to reward dependence and promote behavioral addictions, as discussed in Donald W. Black's 2007 review of compulsive buying disorder.

Primary causes include:

• Neurobiological factors: Disrupted neurotransmitter systems are linked to compulsive behaviors, with dopamine hypothesized to drive reward dependence, thereby reinforcing addictive buying patterns.
• Low self-esteem: Individuals with contingent self-worth or a fear of negative evaluation often use shopping to boost their image or mood. Roberta Biolcati’s 2017 study confirms this link between self-esteem regulation and compulsive buying tendencies.
• Personal focus over social comparison: According to a 2022 study titled “Shopping Addiction is Driven by Personal Focus Rather Than Social Comparison” by Uzarska and Czerwiński, individuals with a high internal focus on their emotions and impulses are more prone to compulsive shopping behaviors, emphasizing the role of internal emotional regulation over external peer influence.
• Social pressures: Societal norms, advertising, and peer expectations promote compulsive shopping as a means to maintain a fashionable or successful self-image.
• Easy access to credit: The widespread availability of credit cards and buy-now-pay-later schemes reduces the immediate psychological impact of spending, encouraging repeated purchases without immediate financial restraint.
• Cultural mechanisms: Developed markets, characterized by disposable income, broad product availability, and strong consumerist values, contribute to the growing prevalence of compulsive shopping behavior, as outlined in a paper published in World Psychiatry (2007).
• Work-related stress and online environments: A 2021 study by Aidil et al. found a significant association between online shopping addiction and occupational stress among nurses in private hospitals. The convenience and constant availability of online platforms, combined with work-related emotional strain, increase the risk of developing shopping addiction in professional environments.

What are the harmful effects of shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction, or compulsive buying behavior, has several detrimental impacts on individuals' lives. Key harmful effects include:

• Exacerbation of Mental Health Issues: Compulsive buying can worsen existing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. While shopping offers temporary relief, it ultimately deepens feelings of guilt and emotional instability, as noted in a 2018 study titled “Compulsive Buying Behavior: Antecedents, Consequences and Prevalence in Shopping Mall Consumers of an Emerging Economy.”
• Secrecy and Dishonesty: Individuals with shopping addiction often conceal their purchases or lie about their spending, leading to increased feelings of shame and isolation. This secretive behavior damages trust within relationships and further exacerbates emotional distress.
• Strained Relationships: The combination of dishonesty and neglect associated with shopping addiction strains familial and social relationships. Financial burdens lead to conflicts, particularly in financially constrained households.
• Legal Consequences: In severe instances, compulsive spending may lead to legal issues such as fraud or bankruptcy, resulting from financial irresponsibility, as documented in the Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences (2018).
• Economic Dependency and Domestic Stress: A 2020 study titled “A Study on Shopping Addiction Among Housewives” by Shammine and Punitha found that financial dependence and high domestic stress significantly increase vulnerability to compulsive shopping behavior. This often leads to greater financial instability and emotional conflict within households.

Who is most affected by shopping addiction?

Research consistently shows that women are more frequently affected by shopping addiction than men. This trend is influenced by a combination of psychological, cultural, and social factors. Women often face higher societal expectations regarding appearance, lifestyle, and consumer behavior, which may contribute to the use of shopping as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

A study by Shammine and Punitha titled “A Study on Shopping Addiction Among Housewives” found that financial dependency, emotional stress, and limited social outlets make housewives particularly vulnerable to compulsive shopping behaviors. Shopping may serve as both an emotional escape and a perceived source of control or identity reinforcement in environments where women face limited autonomy.

Additionally, a 2023 study titled “Compulsive Buying Behavior and Online Shopping Addiction: An International Comparison” by Sathya et al. revealed that women are more prone to online shopping addiction due to greater engagement with e-commerce platforms and a stronger emotional connection to the act of buying. Factors such as product availability, promotional offers, and ease of transaction further increase the likelihood of compulsive behavior, especially among younger and middle-aged female users.

While men can also develop shopping addiction, they are less likely to seek help or recognize the behavior as problematic. The patterns and motivations behind male shopping addiction also tend to differ, often involving purchases related to status or performance rather than emotional regulation.

What other addictions does shopping addiction lead to? 

Shopping addiction can lead to or coexist with several other addictions, reflecting shared psychological and behavioral patterns. Individuals struggling with compulsive buying may also develop gambling addiction, internet addiction, or social media addiction due to similar reward-seeking tendencies and impulsivity. It can also contribute to eating disorders, particularly when shopping is used to manage body image distress. In some cases, individuals may turn to alcohol or substance use as additional coping mechanisms, especially when financial stress or emotional guilt intensifies. Work addiction and debt-related dependency, such as chronic overuse of credit cards, are also commonly linked to shopping addiction, further entrenching harmful behavioral cycles.

Does shopping addiction lead to binge eating disorder? 

Yes, shopping addiction can be associated with or contribute to the development of binge eating disorder, though it does not directly cause it in all cases.

Both shopping addiction and binge eating disorder share underlying psychological mechanisms such as poor impulse control, emotional dysregulation, and a reliance on external behaviors to cope with internal distress. Individuals who engage in compulsive buying often do so to relieve feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or low self-worth—the same emotional triggers that commonly lead to binge eating episodes. According to a 2022 review published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, behavioral addictions like shopping and eating disorders frequently co-occur, especially in individuals with high levels of stress, anxiety, or unresolved trauma.

Moreover, both disorders are often linked to low self-esteem and may be used to fill emotional voids. Shopping may temporarily boost mood or self-image, just as binge eating may offer short-term emotional relief. However, both behaviors can lead to long-term regret, guilt, and further psychological distress, which perpetuates the addictive cycle.

Does shopping addiction lead to substance use disorder? 

Yes, shopping addiction can increase the risk of developing substance use disorder, although it does not directly cause it.

Both conditions are considered maladaptive coping mechanisms that often arise from similar psychological vulnerabilities, such as emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unresolved trauma. Individuals with shopping addiction may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to manage the emotional aftermath of their compulsive behavior, such as guilt, shame, or financial stress. Research published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions indicates a strong correlation between behavioral addictions and substance use disorders, especially among individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

Additionally, both disorders activate overlapping neural pathways related to the brain’s reward system. The dopamine-driven reinforcement loop seen in compulsive buying is similar to the one observed in substance use, making individuals with one addiction more susceptible to developing another. A dual-diagnosis scenario, where behavioral and substance addictions coexist, is not uncommon and requires integrated treatment approaches.

What is the process to diagnose shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction, or compulsive buying disorder, is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment of a patient's behavior, emotional state, and the impact of shopping on their personal life. Key diagnostic criteria include a lack of control over shopping, excessive purchasing, preoccupation with buying, and an inability to resist purchasing despite detrimental consequences, as outlined in a 2023 systematic review by Müller et al. titled "Update on treatment studies for compulsive buying-shopping disorder."

Diagnostic markers also involve evaluating the extent of disruption to daily responsibilities, emotional responses (such as relief or guilt after shopping), and negative outcomes like financial distress, family conflicts, and emotional instability. The diagnostic process requires ruling out other conditions that may cause similar behaviors, such as manic episodes in bipolar disorder.

What kinds of shopping addiction are there?

Shopping addiction manifests in several forms, each driven by distinct motivations and behaviors. Key types include:

• Compulsive Shopaholics: Characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable shopping driven by internal emotional needs, often leading to unnecessary purchases and severe personal consequences.
• Bargain Seekers: Motivated by the thrill of finding deals, these individuals buy items merely because they are on sale, regardless of need, with the excitement of perceived savings overriding practicality.
• Trophy Hunters: Driven by the excitement of the hunt and the satisfaction of acquiring rare or coveted items, they spend considerable time and energy in pursuit of these items.
• Collectors: Focused on amassing multiple versions or variations of items, their addiction is fueled by the quest for completeness and the sense of achievement it brings.
• Bulimic Shoppers: Engage in binge buying followed by remorse and attempts to purge items, similar to bulimia, with intense shopping sprees leading to guilt and disposal efforts.

Is shopping addiction the same as online shopping addiction? 

No, shopping addiction and online shopping addiction are not exactly the same, although they are closely related and share many behavioral features.

Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, refers to the uncontrollable urge to purchase items regardless of need, often driven by emotional triggers such as stress, anxiety, or low self-worth. It can occur in physical stores, online platforms, or both. Online shopping addiction, however, is a subtype of shopping addiction that specifically involves compulsive purchasing through digital platforms.

A 2023 study titled “Compulsive Buying Behavior and Online Shopping Addiction: An International Comparison” found that online shopping addiction tends to be more prevalent among younger individuals and is often exacerbated by the constant availability of products, algorithm-driven recommendations, flash sales, and ease of one-click purchasing. These digital features can intensify impulsive behavior and reduce the sense of financial accountability, making it easier for compulsive habits to form and persist.

While both forms involve emotional reliance on purchasing and loss of control, online shopping addiction adds another layer of risk due to convenience, anonymity, and 24/7 access. This environment creates more frequent triggers and fewer barriers, leading to a faster escalation of compulsive behavior.

What treatment options exist for shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction is managed through several evidence-based treatments that help individuals control their spending habits and address the emotional and financial impacts of their behavior. Key treatment modalities include:

• Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Group CBT): This structured approach involves group therapy sessions where individuals learn and practice CBT techniques in a supportive environment. A 2006 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy demonstrated significant and sustained improvement in compulsive buying behaviors over both 12 weeks and a 6-month follow-up period.
• Guided Self-Help (GSH): Resources like workbooks and online courses provide individuals with tools to understand and regulate their shopping patterns. Studies have shown GSH to be comparably effective to group CBT for certain individuals, as noted in a 2016 systematic review by Hague et al.
• Support Groups and Self-Help Groups: These communities offer a space for shared experiences, advice, and mutual support, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting accountability among participants.
• Medication: While not a primary treatment, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms. Reviews in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions (2016) indicate mixed results for SSRIs, with some studies showing favorable outcomes with anticonvulsants, opioid antagonists, and NMDA-receptor antagonists.

What self-help groups support shopping addiction?

Self-help groups for shopping addiction are peer-driven organizations that provide a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences and strategies for managing compulsive buying behaviors. These groups enable open discussions, strategy sharing, and emotional support in a non-judgmental setting.

There are several self-help groups offering structured programs to help individuals overcome shopping addiction. Key examples include:

• Spenders Anonymous: This group provides a framework similar to other addiction recovery programs, focusing on personal accountability and behavioral change.
• Debtors Anonymous: Emphasizes financial responsibility and goal setting alongside mutual support, helping members manage debt and financial difficulties.

These groups aim to create a supportive network where individuals can find encouragement and guidance in their path to recovery.

What are the ways to stop shopping addiction?

Overcoming shopping addiction involves recognizing the problem, understanding emotional triggers, and implementing strategies to regain financial control. Effective methods include creating a strict budget, limiting access to credit cards and online shopping platforms, and setting specific financial objectives.

Key strategies to manage shopping addiction include:

• Professional Guidance: Engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps address underlying emotional issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Peer Support: Joining support groups like Debtors Anonymous provides a community-based platform for sharing experiences and maintaining accountability.
• Mindful Consumption Practices: Tracking purchases, practicing mindfulness during spending, and substituting shopping with fulfilling hobbies are crucial for sustained behavioral change.

Can you stop shopping addiction by yourself? 

Yes, some individuals can stop or manage shopping addiction on their own, but success often depends on the severity of the addiction and the presence of underlying emotional or psychological issues.

Mild cases of compulsive buying may respond well to self-regulation strategies such as budgeting, avoiding triggers like online sales, unsubscribing from promotional emails, and replacing shopping with healthier coping activities. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, self-monitoring techniques, such as tracking spending patterns and identifying emotional triggers, can significantly reduce compulsive buying behaviors in motivated individuals.

However, stopping shopping addiction without professional support can be challenging when the behavior is deeply rooted in emotional distress, low self-esteem, or co-occurring mental health conditions. In these cases, individuals may repeatedly relapse into compulsive spending despite setting intentions to stop. The emotional relief gained from shopping often overrides logic, making it difficult to sustain change through willpower alone.

What are useful books to stop shopping addiction? 

Books focused on compulsive buying behavior can provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and self-reflection tools to help individuals overcome shopping addiction. These resources often blend psychological research with practical guidance, making them helpful for both self-help and therapeutic support.

• To Buy or Not to Buy by April Lane Benson: A comprehensive workbook that helps readers understand their buying triggers, evaluate emotional patterns, and apply cognitive-behavioral techniques to reduce compulsive shopping urges.
• Spent: Break the Buying Obsession and Discover Your True Worth by Sally Palaian: This book combines psychological insights with practical steps to address emotional voids that fuel shopping addiction. It offers strategies to build self-esteem and reclaim financial control.
• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg: While not exclusively about shopping addiction, this best-seller explains the science behind habit formation and offers a framework for identifying and changing destructive routines, including compulsive buying.
• Mind Over Money by Brad Klontz and Ted Klontz: This book explores the emotional and behavioral roots of financial decisions, helping readers understand why they overspend and how to develop healthier money habits.
• Addiction by Design by Natasha Dow Schüll: Although focused on gambling, this book provides deep insight into behavioral addiction mechanics, many of which apply to shopping addiction, especially in online environments.
• You Are Not Your Money by Julie Murphy Casserly; This resource blends personal finance advice with emotional healing, encouraging readers to address the root causes of their financial behavior and regain control over spending.

What separates normal shopping from shopping addiction?

Normal shopping and shopping addiction differ significantly in several key aspects. Here are the main differences between normal shopping and shopping addiction.

What are some facts about shopping addiction? 

Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a behavioral addiction marked by uncontrollable and repetitive purchasing, often used to manage emotional distress. Below are recent and research-based facts about this condition:

• Shopping addiction affects an estimated 5% of adults globally: According to recent studies, the point prevalence of compulsive buying disorder remains around 5%, though it can range from 1% to 30% depending on the population and assessment method.
  
• Women are more commonly affected than men: Research in 2025 confirms that women experience higher rates of shopping addiction, often due to emotional coping, societal expectations, and targeted marketing strategies.
  
• Online shopping addiction is rapidly increasing: The rise of e-commerce platforms, personalized ads, and one-click purchasing has made compulsive buying more accessible and frequent, especially among younger adults.
  
• Shopping addiction often coexists with other mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders are frequently reported alongside compulsive buying behavior.
  
• Compulsive buying activates the brain’s reward system: Shopping triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating short-term pleasure and reinforcing the cycle of compulsive behavior, similar to other behavioral addictions.
  
• Emotional distress is the most common trigger: Stress, loneliness, boredom, and low self-worth are leading emotional drivers behind shopping binges and compulsive spending.
  
• Financial problems are a key consequence: Individuals with shopping addiction often accumulate debt, open multiple credit cards, and experience long-term financial strain due to unchecked spending.
  
• Secrecy and shame are common behaviors: Many compulsive shoppers hide purchases, lie about spending, or feel embarrassed discussing their shopping habits, which further isolates them.
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment: CBT helps individuals identify shopping triggers, restructure thought patterns, and develop healthier emotional responses to reduce compulsive behaviors.
  
• Shopping addiction is recognized in the ICD-11: While not yet included in the DSM-5, compulsive buying disorder is officially listed under impulse control disorders in the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision.