SHOPAHOLIC

I have always been a compulsive shopper (even in my heavier days), I focused more on purses and shoes as that was what would fit me the best back then, but now, I am still the same with the purses and the shoes, as well as the clothes. Since I lost 112lbs and down to a healthy size 4-6, I have been going crazy. I keep promising myself that I will stop, but it's not working. I know that a lot of u reading this are still struggling with alcholism, and know how bad it is for u, believe me, I know from being a food addict most of my life. But please try to understand that I am finally admitting that I have a true problem. My closet has stretch marks from all my purchases and I need to stop. I actually don't need another thing. My hubby has always been ok about me shopping to an extent, but is now starting to get a little annoyed. I have gotten to the point that when I buy something I will leave it in my car until I am able to bring it into the house the next day. Yesterday we went out for the day, and I bought something while I was with him, he was ok about it in a way, but I could also feel the guilt. I actually never thought I could admit this as I wanted to continue to shop, but now I know it has to stop. Thankfully I am not in any debt and intend not to be either. I saw the oprah show a while back that talked about switching addictions, now I totally understand how this can happen. If there is anyone out there that can advise me as to what to do, I am open to any suggestions. By the way, I have been in therapy for my eating addiction for many years, so that's something I already do. But any other advice would be welcomed. Is there anyone out there with this happening to them?:help":

Hi Jo, I don't have any answers on how to stop shopping since I have never been in that position but why don't you turn this around and sell the items you don't really want on ebay. It's a start to clean out your closets and remember what I said about quality not quanity. If you can remember that when shopping if you are like me you will only have a few really great things. Am here for you anytime.

Hi Joanne, We recently covered this topic at support group. I asked, 'but what if I don't want to give up my new sex addiction?' Crossover, or switching of addictions, is a common but not universal feature of an underlying addictive illness with recognizable structural features of its own. Whether the addiction is single or multiple, substance or process, legal or illegal or an unstable and shifting combination of all the above, certain recurring and recognizable common features distinguish addictive from non-addictive processes. There are many paths and ways to recover from addiction but all require the capacity for honesty with oneself and the willingness and ability to bear the temporary but often intense discomforts associated with the loss of a love (like shopping). And in almost all cases the recovering addict must find ways to replace what he has lost with new and healthier ways of relating and dealing with life. Simply stopping an addictive behavior by sheer force of personal will power is effective for some but certainly not all, and probably not the majority of the addicted population. Such frontal assaults on the addiction are not infrequently successful for a while - but if nothing else changes, the addiction is likely to reassert itself and perhaps in some cases grow even stronger. You are not alone! You might want to bring this topic up at your therapy or even at support group. HTH, Kristen

Joanne, There is an article about addiction transfer after wls in the April 9 issue of People magazine. You are certainly not alone with this problem. But the fact that you've admitted you have a problem is the first step in recovery. Talk to your therapist about this new issue. Try going through your closet and have a big yard sale or sell things on e-bay or donate to a local charity. You will feel better about getting rid of some of your purchases if you know they've gone to a "good home" or if you've made a few bucks off of them. I hope you'll be able to get this problem under control. I'll pray for your recovery. Vickie J.

Yeah, I became a shopaholic for a while mostly thrift stores and such and I hated them before but eventually I stopped. Like most things with us it's just a phase. Unfortunately for me now Im facing a eat-everything phase - hope that stops soon!! Best of luck.

Joanne You need to read the artical in People, just got my today and it talks about addiction transfer to other things besides shopping. It was well done and gave some advise. Hope it helps. Sandy W

Hi Joanne, I suggest you do what I am doing....I too love to shop and it is my finacial downfall. I an in the process of looking into colleges and focusing my interest there. I am a shopaholic also. It seems like one atiction leads to another. I know skinny people who ar shipolics. Hoping to move to Naples real soon. Liz

give the cards to your hubby.... and dont carry more then 20 bucks with you... and... when i drop my last 20 lbs ( when i get back from philly).... we will have to do lunch again... how about cheesecake factory?

Lunch sounds good again. When r u leaving and returning? Thanks for the tip by the way. Unfortunately, when u have charge cards from different stores, u can still shop there just by showing ur drivers licence!!!;)

Hi Joanne I know about the shopaholic phase too. I went through it a few years ago. I would feel guilty everytime I looked at my overstuffed closet. What I did was to stay away from the stores. When I thought about going I would just remind myself that I didn't need a thing. My closet was full of everything I needed. Now I wait until I have a specific need and I go and buy just that one item. It does not always work but it has helped me stay in control. I am proud of you for admitting your problem and seeking help through the message board. I am here for you if you need to chat. I can't wait to star****er aerobics again. Will you be coming back to the park? If you are in the pool with me you won't be in the mall shopping!! Paula