By Maya Menashe, Science and Technology Editor
Many people enjoy shopping. Not only is it practical but it can also be relaxing. Yet often, you may find yourself thinking that you are going to just browse around the store, and before you know it, you’ve spent much more money than you planned to. Or maybe, you see a sale at your favorite store and now your shopping cart is completely filled with items you weren’t even looking for.
For some, however, shopping goes beyond the occasional impulse to buy an item. Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder (CBD), affects about 5% of the global adult population.Shopping addiction isn’t just about spending too much money; rather, it’s about losing control over spending habits. Many people struggling with compulsive shopping find themselves constantly chasing their next purchase, even if it means dipping into rent money or maxing out credit cards.
Shopping becomes a true obsession for many, a thought that dominates their minds. They might even spend hours browsing online or scrolling through flash sales instead of focusing on school, work or family. People may turn to shopping to relieve stress and difficulties in their lives since it provides a temporary relief, thus making shopping addictive.
According to one brain-imaging study done by Psychologist Patrick Trotzke, the dopamine reward system in the brain’s striatum was activated when showing photos of shopping centers, shopping bags, and desirable items to teens with shopping addiction. “They get thrilled when you show them these pictures,” Trotzke said. “The dopaminergic reward system is on fire.” This weakens the individual’s control system in the prefrontal cortex, so much so that the individual has no control over their spending habits.
Shopping is addictive because it gives the brain a dopamine rush. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s reward and pleasure sensations; so when you see an item that you want or a sale that you love, it triggers a sensation of instant gratification, thus releasing dopamine. Just like those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, a sense of guilt and regret may follow after the thrill of shopping. To get that high again, however, you must go back for more.
Breaking free from a shopping addiction starts with understanding why it happens in the first place. Many people believe that buying things will somehow make their lives better and will get them closer to their “dream life.” The reality is, however, that shopping is not a fulfilling activity. Rather, it is just a temporary escape. Instead of shopping to get instant gratification, spend money on things that truly improve your quality of life. For example, invest in experiences, save for the future and buy necessities.
It’s still perfectly okay to buy things you like, even if they’re not absolutely necessary. Sometimes, it’s nice to go shopping just to enjoy the experience and get a little dopamine rush. However, it’s important to set boundaries and recognize that there should always be a limit to how much you indulge.