The holidays are known for their mirth and their laughter. However, the holidays can also be an especially hard time of year if you are suffering from a shopping addiction. A shopping addiction is a process addiction, since you are addicted to the process of shopping and the feeling you get when you purchase something. A shopping addiction is something you cannot control; you feel propelled to shop.
Dr. Lara Dye is a clinical psychologist in Austin, Texas, who offers help to those suffering from process addictions, including shopping addictions. Oftentimes, addictions can be overwhelming, and you don’t know where to turn. Dr. Lara Dye has over 20 years experience helping others. Below, we’ll offer up tips on how to survive the holidays if you have a shopping addiction and how we can help. Call today!
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS IF YOU HAVE A SHOPPING ADDICTION
Don’t shop alone.
Compulsive shoppers don’t shop just to buy items. They are shopping in order to feel happy, to feel a temporary euphoria or rush they get from purchasing items. This is where the addiction comes in. They crave that feeling, so they keep buying in order to experience it over and over again. However, at the end of the day, they still feel void and empty, which often leads to depression and feelings of guilt — and a desire to have that feeling again. It’s a vicious cycle.
Thus, don’t shop alone. You’ll buy less and not feel as empty inside with a desire to fill it up with unneeded items.
Watch your feelings.
This might sound like weird advice, but the underlying premise is to be aware of the feelings you have that drive you towards shopping. For some, it’s to relieve depression. Others are bored. Some may feel angry over something. Whatever your trigger is, be aware of it, and work with others (either friends, family, or your therapist) to help you overcome those feelings in a positive way.
Ask for help.
If you are seeing the signs of a compulsive shopping addiction in your life, such as feeling that your spending is out of control, or you are lying about your spending to others, then you need to reach out for help to someone experienced in process addictions. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Lara Dye, has worked with hundreds of patients who suffer from process addictions. She knows how to find the root of your problem and then offer you valuable tools to fix it. Call her today.
Outside of that, you can also ask your loved ones for help. You can make a plan together on shopping rules, or you can even forego buying presents for others altogether, which will keep you out of the malls for the season.
GET HELP FROM DR. LARA DYE IN AUSTIN FOR YOUR SHOPPING ADDICTION
Dr. Lara Dye is passionate about helping those suffering from addictions (whether it’s sex addiction, gambling addiction, or a shopping addiction) get help. We offer telehealth services so you can receive the help you need in the comfort of your own home. Reach out today to get started!