| Show Have you become a holic Diane Cashel Alcohol and Drug Education I want to shop til I drop Behind the humor some find finda a desperate lif life corrupting truth in this For the compulsive compulsive compulsive com com- shopper shopping becomes an consuming all pa passion sion A behavior seems to say I want it Im I'm going goins to lo buy it and the heck with everything else Too fr frequently is exactly what happens Addicted shoppers experience a rush when making a purchase They find spending to 10 be a thrilling exciting and even a wild sensation As with other addictions the high experienced while absorbed in the satisfaction of the compulsion is followed by a corresponding low commonly suffer depression and guilt in the aftermath of their purchases They feel that they would rather shop than do anything else If you live from paycheck to paycheck with little or no savings and pay only the minimum amount due on your charge accounts you may have a problem with spending Consider the following Is shopping your primary activity of choice Have you ever hidden or lied about your purchases Have you ever felt feIt nervous or guilty after a spending spree Do you frequently put friends' friends purchases on your credit cards If you answered yes to a few of these questions you may have a spending problem One of the first steps in dealing with an addiction is to find the motivation to change Many times compulsive behavior behavior behavior be be- havior comes from harboring up pent-up emotions especially anger and anger may feel like a release to that anger Control is the key to ending any addiction If you have recognized yourself as being a you may be beable beable beable able to overcome your addiction by teaching yourself to monitor and control your compulsive behavior seeking information advice support or assistance will find a number of options available Consumer Consumer Consumer Con Con- sumer Credit Counseling services are available nationwide nationwide nationwide nation nation- wide by calling 1800 to locate a branch in your area is for compulsive Debtors Anonymous a self-help self group sive spenders and credit abusers Low self-esteem self may be at the root of your problems and a professional counselor may be the answer If you have any questions fell free to contact Diane Cashel Inthe in inthe inthe the Alcohol and Drug Education program at |
