Rehab for Shopping Addiction

How our therapy can help your recovery from compulsive buying

Getting help with compulsive shopping, or the compulsive shopping of a friend or family member, can seem like a big step.  But it doesn’t have to be a frightening prospect.

Our highly-qualified team have years of experience of effective therapeutic support and can provide shopping addiction rehabiliatioin to people with a history of behavioural addictions.

We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand the risks of shopping addiction, and to show how the Parkland Place rehabilitation and therapeutic programme can address both the condition and the underlying circumstances which enable it.

 

What is shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction is the compulsive desire to buy items you don’t need – and sometimes that you can’t afford.

Shopping addiction has many of the same characteristics as other behavioural addictions, and can have serious effects on the individual.  Compulsive shopping can be a seasonal or an on-going disorder.

 

Am I addicted to shopping?

Shopping addiction can have a number of negative physical, financial and emotional consequences, including:

  • spending more money than you have
  • buying items compulsively and in greater quantities that you will ever need – e.g. buying ten lots of shoes at a time
  • shopping on a chronic, ongoing basis
  • shopping as a way of dealing with social anxiety, heightening self-esteem or as a response to pain
  • feeling anxious about shopping, or feeling guilt or anger after shopping or overspending
  • relationship problems caused by shopping
  • lying about shopping habits to concerned loved ones
  • continuing to shop despite negative consequences

Other warning signs or concerning behaviours include:

  • spending money when angry, depressed or anxious
  • arguing about spending habits
  • feeling lost when not shopping – or a rush when you are
  • obsessing about money
  • feeling guilty or embarrassed about shopping after the event
  • purchasing items using credit cards, loans or overdrafts when you do not have the funds to cover them

 

Risks of shopping addiction

Addiction to shopping can cause adverse reactions from friends and family members, especially when they begin to feel as though your shopping is risking your and their wellbeing.

Other risks of shopping addiction include:

  • breakdown of family relationships
  • depression or anxiety
  • financial problems
  • social isolation
  • impact on your work and career
  • problems controlling impulses
  • loss of interest in other hobbies and pursuits

 

Getting help for shopping addiction

Effective treatments can help people who are addicted to shopping understand their addiction and regain control of their lives.

If you’re concerned about your shopping, a good first step is to visit your GP.  They will be able to discuss the services and treatments available.

 

Rehab for shopping addiction

Counselling and therapy can help you overcome mental health conditions, traumatic experiences or other circumstances which may have caused you to develop a shopping compulsion.  This may include self-help groups and talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

You may be offered medication to help with related symptoms, such as a sleep problem, or misuse of other substances.  You may also be offered financial counselling and access to self-help resources.

Therapeutic programmes like the approach favoured by Parkland Place have proven to be effective in the treatment of compulsive behaviours like shopping addiction.

Together, we will address both your addiction and any associated underlying social and psychological issues. We will work with you to address all aspects of your life, and to help you to develop a personal toolbox of techniques and resources.

 

Your treatment at Parkland Place

Parkland Place offers unrivalled therapy for people with experience of alcohol addiction, drug addiction, gambling addiction and other harmful behavioural conditions – in the comfort of a stunning, 16-bed mansion and gardens near the coast in beautiful North Wales. The house is situated amidst farmland owned by the National Trust, and offers a welcoming and comfortable haven for your journey of recovery.

Our therapeutic programme is tailored to the needs of each of our guests, and is delivered by friendly, expert staff. This truly bespoke approach allows us to address the social and psychological needs underpinning your addiction, and support you as you make key lifestyle changes.

Guests at Parkland Place are required to be, and to remain, abstinent during their stay with us.  Many of our guests require structured medical detoxification before beginning their recovery journey.  We offer no-fuss access to our own dedicated detox clinic at Salus Withnell Hall – including transfers – to ensure a seamless therapeutic experience.

> Learn more about our approach