Psychologists explain that purchases generate a feeling of satisfaction, despite the fact that, on many occasions, they are made without the objective of covering a real need. It only follows a characteristically consistent impulse to belong to a society with a markedly consumerist character. But there are those who feel something much deeper and more compelling than that: an obsession, it is oniomania. Shopping addiction causes serious consequences for those who suffer from it, despite not being considered a mental disorder in itself, according to psychologist Rafael A. Salas Muriel.
Those known as compulsive shoppers also get carried away by an impulse. However, in their case, the fact of buying becomes a need that needs to be alleviated. Once satisfied, they are invaded by feelings of regret and guilt. And this only increases with each new purchase. At the same time, the feeling of relief lasts less and less and is unsatisfactory. In this way, says the specialist, purchases are becoming more continuous. And the consequences, greater.
Compulsive purchases are a formula for emotional regulation, as confirmed by psychologist Diana Synelnyk. “They produce dopamine –a neurotransmitter responsible for generating pleasure, among other things–, which causes this feeling of happiness to be experienced after the purchase,” she explains. The problem is that this is how addiction occurs, since the brain wants more. But there comes a point where this is no longer enough and the consequences can no longer be reversed.
“Sadness, guilt or anger” are the feelings with which a compulsive buyer is left, specifies the psychologist. What was supposed to be an escape route is no longer. However, for those who suffer from oniomania it is not possible to simply stop doing it, since it has already become addictive and uncontrollable.
As you can imagine, the economic consequences of this can be quite serious. And this is something that ends up also affecting the environment of the compulsive buyer, such as his family, partner or friends.
The most important thing to deal with oniomania is to establish a series of control mechanisms, as advised by psychologist Diana Synelnyk. One of the most useful is to plan the purchase, that is, write down the necessary things that must be acquired. In this way it will be easier to avoid falling into temptations.
Another technique consists of not buying when experiencing very marked moods, such as sadness or euphoria. The specialist also recommends going accompanied by a family member or friend, who will be a point of support when it comes to sticking to the necessary purchases that had been planned.
