Is there really such a thing as a being a shopaholic or having a shopping addiction? What exactly are the symptoms of a shopaholic? Everyone needs to buy stuff, from groceries to clothes. Right?A shopping addict in women is a female who shops compulsively and who may feel like they have no control over their behavior.Up to 6 percent of Americans are so-called shopaholics. And with retailers ramping up their promotions on TV and even more intensely online, this number is likely to rise. In our society, the phrase “shop till you drop” translates as fun and frivolous, but when spending presents a real problem, the glamor fades.It’s one thing to surrender to the occasional impulse buy, that watch gleaming from inside the display case, or a pair of red shoes that will add the perfect dash of sophistication to your favorite party suit.But when your purchases shift from impulsive to compulsive, you may be grappling with a more serious condition: a shopping addiction.In our society, the phrase “shop till you drop” translates as frivolous and fun. But when spending presents a real problem, the glamour fades and debt mounts.Psychologists call it a compulsive buying disorder, and it is characterized as an impulse-control issue, just like gambling or binge eating. Compulsive buying disorder has the potential to create a whirlwind of emotional and financial distress.Shopaholics who want the image of being a big spender and love flashy itemsBargain seekers who purchase items they don’t need because they are on saleCompulsive shopaholics who shop when they are feeling emotional distressCollectors who don’t feel complete unless they have one item in each color or every piece of a setTrophy shopaholics who are always shopping for the perfect itemBulimic shoppers who get caught in a vicious cycle of buying and returningSome people develop shopping addictions because they essentially get addicteniversity, sd to how their brain feels while shopping. As they shop, their brain releases endorphins and dopamine, and over time, these feelings become addictive. A professor in applied health sciences, Engs claims that ten to fifteen percent of the population may be predisposed to these feelings.In some cases, it may be difficult to tell if you are, or a loved one is, a shopaholic. Many people adore shopping, and many people also spend too much money while engaging in this activity. It is important to note that going a shopping spree once in a while does not mean you are a shopping addict. However, there are several signs and symptoms shopping addicts display that you may want to look for.You’re easily tempted by items that you can do without. A sixth candle for your bedroom dresser, a new iPod case, even though yours is fine…you get the idea. You’re particularly vulnerable if you’ve admitted to having an “obsession,” like shoes or designer handbags. Just because your splurges tend to stick to one category doesn’t make them any more rational.Let’s say you see a beautiful dress that you just have to have. But you can’t afford to buy the dress and the shop owner doesn’t allow you to pay for it in small increments. You beg the shop owner to let you pay it off this way because the thought of not buying this dress is painful.But once you eventually buy the dress, it won’t be long before you find something new that you want to buy. It’s an ongoing cycle.We’re not talking about the dress your aunt gave you last holiday season, but about items you picked out on your own that sit unopened or with their tags still attached.You’ve likely forgotten about some of these purchases — boxes of shoes lining the bottom of your closet, or jackets that have never seen the light of day.It’s one thing to feel anxious if you haven’t had your morning cup of joe, but if you’re feeling on edge because you haven’t swiped your debit card all day, be concerned. Shopaholics have reported feeling “out of sorts” if they haven’t had their shopping fix, and have even admitted to shopping online if they couldn’t physically pull away from their day’s responsibilities.You may be easily tempted by items that you can do without: a fifth candle for your bedroom dresser, a new iPod case — you get the idea. You’re particularly vulnerable if you’ve self-diagnosed to having an obsession, such as shoes or designer handbags. Just because your splurges tend to stick to one category doesn’t make them any more rational.Compulsive shopping is an attempt to fill an emotional void, like loneliness, lack of control, or lack of self-confidence. Shopaholics also have a tendency to suffer from mood disorders, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems. So if you tend to binge on comfort food after a bad day, you may be more likely to indulge in a shopping spree too.Many shopaholics feel a rush of excitement when shopping and buying something. However, their shopper’s “high” quickly disappears and they are left with feelings of remorse, guilt or frustration that they can’t control their shopping habit.Despite experiencing feelings of remorse, shopaholics are quick to defend and rationalize their purchases if challenged.If you’re hiding shopping bags in your daughter’s closet or constantly looking over your shoulder for passing co-workers as you shop online, this is a possible sign that you’re spending money at the expense of your family, your loved ones, or even your job.Perhaps your shopping behavior has led to debt. Maybe your shopping behavior is preventing you from breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck. Or maybe your shopping behavior is preventing you from being able to save money or reach your financial goals.Can you relate to any of the signs above? If so, figuring out what’s driving you to shop can be a huge step in helping you get on track to kicking a shopping habit and saving more money.Shopaholics experience a “high” or an adrenaline rush, not from owning something, but from the act of purchasing it. Experts say dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure, is often released in waves as shoppers see a desirable item and consider buying it. This burst of excitement can become addictive.Shopping addicts may try to hide their addiction, and if a loved one is addicted to shopping, they may try to hide it from you. If you hide credit card bills, shopping bags or receipts, you may be a shopaholic. In some cases, shopaholics may try to hide their addiction by lying about just one element of it. For instance, a person may admit they went shopping, but they may lie about how much they spent.Some of the other emotional symptoms you may notice from a shopaholic include:Shopping as a way to feel less guilty about a previous shopping spreeHarming relationships due to spending or shopping too muchLosing control of the shopping behaviorPhysical Symptoms of a Shopping AddictionSpending more than they can affordShopping as a reaction to feeling angry or depressedAlthough most addictions have physical symptoms related to them, shopping addictions may not. In most cases, the symptoms you experience due to your shopping addiction will be emotional in nature. The physical evidence of a shopping addiction may include a declining financial situation.The short-term effects of a shopping addiction may feel positive. In many cases, you may feel joy and happy after completing a shopping. However, these feelings are often mixed with anxiety or guilt, and in most cases, the guilt or anxiety may propel you back to the store for even more shopping.The long-term effects of a shopping addiction can vary in intensity and scope. Many shopping addicts face financial problems, and they may become overwhelmed with debt. In some cases, they may simply max out their credit cards, but in other cases, they may take out a second mortgage on their home or charge purchases to their business credit card. If you are addicted to shopping, your personal relationships may also suffer. You may end up getting a divorce or distancing yourself from your parents, children or other loved ones.That a drug called memantine may be able to help shopaholics. Designed to treat Alzheimer’s, this drug may be able to help shopaholics make decisions more clearly, and it may also help them to avoid compulsive behavior.Medication Side EffectsThe side effects of these drugs vary depending upon which medication you decide to use. If you decide to take antidepressants, for instance, you may experience any of the following side effects:NauseaInability to fall asleep at nightFeeling tired or fatigued a lotHeadachesFeelings of anxiousnessUnexplained sweatingIdeally, you should speak with your doctor about possible side effects before you start taking any medication.Medication OverdoseIf your doctor decide to treat your addiction with medication, you should always take your medication as directed. If you take too much of any prescription medication, you may risk experiencing an overdose.Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal in ShopaholicsWithdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, but according to the Chicago Tribune, many shopping addicts will experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to the withdrawal symptoms experienced by people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you feel irritable, depressed or out of control after shopping, you may be experiencing withdrawal, and you may need to get help.Depression and ShoppingNearly two-thirds of all shopaholics struggle with depression or anxiety. In order to effectively treat your shopping addiction, you may also need to deal with your other mental health issues. Ideally, when searching for a recovery program, you should try to find a recovery program that can address both aspects of your addiction.Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and ShoppingIn some cases, shopping addictions can be related to a substance abuse issue. If you believe that you are, or a loved one is, struggling with substance abuse and a shopping addiction, it is time to get help. With the right professional shopping addiction treatment, you will be able to gain control over your life again.Getting Help for a Shopping AddictionIt isn’t fun to feel out of control or depressed about shopping too much. It isn’t pleasant to lose those close to you due to the arguments that may occur as a result of your shopping addiction. If you are, or a loved one is, struggling with a shopping addiction, it is time to get help now.SummaryRecognizing the common signs of a shopaholic and admitting you may have a problem is the first step. Like with any addiction, denial is a large part of the process and many people will have to reach a low point before they can accept that their spending behavior is negatively impacting their life.As a former shopaholic, it’s easy to justify shopping as something you want to do, even if your friends or family have noticed your spending behavior is more than others.It’s not too late to make a positive change. You deserve to live an amazing, wonderful life.Life is meant to be lived, not spent. And through my journey of healing, I’ve discovered that a wonderful life isn’t found in buying more stuff or spending more time shopping.