[UnderRugSwept]

I have an insanely bad shopping addiction. I shop when I am anxious and it calms me down....it's the ONLY thing that does. I am getting ready to file bankruptcy....I have a great lawyer already lined up. My T is going to help me talk to my father about it (ABSOLUTE TERROR) and then off we go. I still can't get out of the "shopping mentality" tho, esp. as telling my father approaches. My T says he will help me work through the cause of my addiction, etc. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience solving such an addiction in therapy? If not, how did you kick it? Thanks.

[thickntired]

Hi. I have my name on 3 freaking houses. Yes, I can relate to manic spending. For me I had to put one - my only one- credit card in my husband's lock box. I only carry cash, but sometimes I take a debit card WITH a list for groceries. Never ever sign up for pay pal, one click shopping on amazon, an ebay account, or listen to all the scams sales ppl tell you about how much $ you will save by signing up for a store credit card. Rip up and don't even read letters offering you free cash on a new credit card. There's no such thing as free! Don't eat out, or drink out be it Starbucks, a martini, or even pizza hut. Keep a budget and balance your checking account religiously. I have a joint account with my husband because I can't be trusted. Some good sites are Dave Ramsey and The Dollar Stretcher. As far as kicking it; I had to completely change my life and find free hobbies I enjoy.
My favorite quote is:

We spend money we don't have to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't like.

That's a paraphrase.

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[thickntired]

http://www.stretcher.com/

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[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by Elsewhere

I have an insanely bad shopping addiction. I shop when I am anxious and it calms me down....it's the ONLY thing that does. I am getting ready to file bankruptcy....I have a great lawyer already lined up. My T is going to help me talk to my father about it (ABSOLUTE TERROR) and then off we go. I still can't get out of the "shopping mentality" tho, esp. as telling my father approaches. My T says he will help me work through the cause of my addiction, etc. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience solving such an addiction in therapy? If not, how did you kick it? Thanks.

Hugs and good luck with T.
Just as with any addiction there is an origin to why you do what you do. It feeds the need of something lacking in your life.

Don't be too hard on yourself, you were once in a position when the idea was a sound one. (my #1 is the same business, so i get it.)
About talking with your Father, best to remain calm. Then move forward.
Bankruptcy will stop you from buying big ticket items.

Consider it a new start, be it a positive one.
It takes time to change behaviors, you can do it!
H