Shopping addiction is increasingly recognized as a significant concern in Britain, with reports indicating that the condition mirrors the dopamine effects associated with cocaine use. Data shows a marked rise in individuals affected, prompting experts to weigh in on the signs of this addiction and recommend steps for recovery.
Research published in 2022 suggests that the prevalence of compulsive buying has doubled since a similar study in 2016, with approximately 10 percent of adults now impacted. Factors contributing to this trend include increased online shopping during the Covid pandemic, where individuals turned to retail therapy to cope with isolation and boredom.
One individual grappling with this issue is Hannah Blass, who began her shopping journey with a pair of Adidas Stan Smith trainers in 2019. At the time, Hannah was a university student with limited financial resources. The thrill of purchasing something she could not afford ignited a cycle of compulsive spending.
“I was a student on a budget,” Hannah recalls. “But I also got a rush from buying something I knew I couldn’t afford. And it was a rush that I wanted to keep experiencing.”
Over time, her spending spiraled out of control. After securing a job in fashion marketing, Hannah’s earnings provided her with more disposable income, but her credit card debt climbed to nearly £9,000. At her peak, she was spending over £11,000 annually on clothing.
Hannah’s turning point came in 2022 when she spent almost £700 on a pair of Prada loafers, an amount equivalent to her monthly rent. “I had no idea why I’d bought them,” she stated. This impulsive purchase led her to confront the reality of her addiction, especially as she planned for significant life events such as her upcoming wedding.
Experts like Zaheen Ahmed, director of therapy at The UKAT Group, emphasize the mental health factors often linked to shopping addiction. Many individuals use shopping as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional issues. “For many people with a shopping addiction, mental health issues are to blame,” Ahmed explains. “They are trying to fill a void, similar to alcohol or gambling addicts.”
To determine if one might be suffering from this condition, Ahmed suggests considering three key questions: Have you tried to cut down on shopping and failed? Do you feel guilty about your purchases? Do you become annoyed when others question your shopping habits? Affirmative answers to two or more of these questions could indicate the need for professional help.
To regain control, Hannah adopted a strategy known as a ‘no buy’ challenge, where she promised herself not to buy any clothes for three months. “I felt like I had no control over my life,” she shared. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could be okay without new things.” This initiative helped her realize that she could live without compulsive shopping.
While some individuals may find success with self-directed strategies, experts caution that many require professional support. Treatments like antidepressants or talking therapies can be effective in addressing the mental health aspects of shopping addiction.
Now, Hannah has turned her experience into a platform for helping others. Through her website, The Style Audit, she offers support to women struggling with overspending. She has paid off her debt and rarely indulges in new clothing purchases.
“I was surprised at how many women were out there going through the same thing,” she noted. “The problem is often hidden, as people shop on their phones while multitasking, making it easy for their habits to go unnoticed until debts accumulate.”
As awareness of shopping addiction grows, it is crucial for individuals to recognize the signs and seek help when necessary. With the right strategies and support, recovery is possible, allowing individuals to regain financial stability and improve their mental well-being.
