Hi, Phoenix7. As I look back in my life, I see that my own periods of over spending were right after episodes of a horrible loss. And I kept losing during the 90s so there was a ton of me spending. I did the same things as you, transferring credit card debt to a new card, etc.

What helped me change was a Debtor's Anonymous meeting. It was so upsetting it put the brakes on my spending. But since then I've had more losses and had to stop myself overspending again. Due to several moves, I've acquired issues with spending. I'm now hopefully a hoarder in recovery. I had way too much stuff to fit in an apartment anymore. I've had to stop spending on luxuries. I only have one credit card, plus a debit card.

I think for me, limiting the number of cards, and limiting the amount I can charge have been very important during my post 90s spending habits. I still sometimes spend too much, but I'm getting better at that.

I hope you'll be able to find less expensive ways to feel better/get that rush. It's not easy, I know that.