As the world progresses, human behaviour, lifestyles, and our way of living significantly change as well. Recently, one of the notable phenomena that sparked global attention is the prevalence of people who develop compulsive buying or shopping habits.
Some individuals struggle with this impulse and often spend more than they can afford on unnecessary items. At Orchid, we provide treatment for shopping addiction.
What Is Shopping Addiction?
Compulsive shopping, also known as shopping addiction or compulsive buying disorder, involves an obsession with buying items and spending money. Shopping addiction often follows a clear pattern, where individuals continue to buy compulsively despite negative outcomes. The frequency and intensity of shopping can grow, often leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms similar to other addictions.
People with this condition may make unnecessary purchases just for the thrill of buying, which can lead to serious financial problems. This addiction can create many problems for individuals, families, and society. It is important to note that a person who shops daily may not be considered addicted if their spending is responsible and does not cause issues, like buying groceries or necessary household goods.
Shopping Addiction Treatment In Thailand
Treatment for shopping addiction in a rehab environment generally encompasses a variety of therapeutic strategies that promote long-term recovery and prevent potential relapses. Individual therapy involves private sessions with a therapist to support and assist people in understanding the underlying causes of their shopping addiction, recognizing triggers, and creating strategies to handle urges and cravings. One of the most effective approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps individuals to identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviours linked to shopping addiction. By questioning unrealistic beliefs about shopping and adopting healthier coping methods, individuals can find better ways to manage its symptoms.
In addition, therapists may also focus on promoting lifestyle changes. Rehab programs frequently highlight the significance of implementing healthier lifestyle practices, including consistent physical activity, balanced nutrition, effective stress management strategies, and engaging in naturally rewarding activities. Healthcare providers may recommend medication for some clients to treat underlying mental health conditions, including depression or anxiety, which can either exacerbate or coexist with compulsive shopping behaviours.
Why Choose The Orchid For Shopping Addiction Treatment?
Some of the reasons why The Orchid stands out among other treatment facilities include:
Comprehensive Approach
A key part of our treatment programme is the comprehensive approach that combines medical, psychological, and social elements to help people deal with mental health and substance use problems effectively. Our approach does not only focus on managing symptoms of the condition but also on exploring underlying factors that maintain the problem.
Individualised Treatment Plan
One major advantage of getting treated at The Orchid is our focus on an individualised treatment plan. In our treatment centre, you won’t get a generic program. Instead, you will have tailored care and a treatment plan designed specifically for your unique situation and health issues to ensure that your needs are met.
Highly Skilled Clinical Team
Our team comprises highly skilled and trained clinicians who are committed to delivering optimal care to our patients. Our staff has undergone comprehensive training and engages in ongoing professional development to remain informed about the most current approaches to treating addiction and mental health challenges.
Regular Monitoring Of Progress
Our clinical team closely observes your advancement during your treatment. We evaluate your response to the therapies and medications and adjust your treatment plan as needed to guarantee optimal results.
Serene Setting
If you prefer treatment in a calm setting, the Orchid is the right choice for you. Our facilities are located in peaceful places of serene mountains, creating a perfect environment for recovery. We provide an organized and supportive atmosphere and keep you away from everyday distractions and triggers to allow you to concentrate fully on your recovery.
Minimal Distractions
Overcoming addiction takes time and effort focused on rehab and recovery. In our treatment centre, you won’t face concerns like unhealthy food, uncomfortable living conditions, or strenuous work. Our staff will handle cooking, cleaning, and other tasks, allowing you to focus on your treatment and healing.
Mental Health Treatments
In addition to addressing behavioural addictions, the Orchid is dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming a range of mental health disorders by employing evidence-based treatment methods.
Burnout Treatment
The process of treating burnout starts with a detailed evaluation by our healthcare experts. This assessment is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan that fits the person's lifestyle and goals. The plan might include one-on-one counselling, joining group therapy, and engaging in activities that encourage relaxation and improve overall well-being.
PTSD Treatment
PTSD can be managed with various approaches, including both medication and therapy. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective in treating depression, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts that many individuals with PTSD face. These drugs can help stabilize mood and reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms. We also use the leading therapy for PTSD - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist or counsellor. During these sessions, individuals establish personal objectives, acquire coping strategies to manage their symptoms or triggers, and reduce emotional distress, enhancing their overall well-being. This therapeutic modality is particularly beneficial for addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Family Therapy
Family therapy involves the patient and their family members. The goal is to improve communication and relationships within the family, reduce stress and tension, and provide education and support to all participants. Involving family members helps patients receive more support and encouragement, which is important for their recovery.
Types Of Shopping Addiction
Shopping addictions can come from different reasons and show up in various ways. Here are some of the most common types of shopping addiction:
Compulsive Shopping
Individuals with this type of shopping behaviour often purchase things to escape negative emotions and the pressures of daily life. A compulsive shopper may plan their shopping excursions after experiencing a difficult day or as a method to mitigate feelings of distress. While they may structure their trips to physical stores or online shopping sessions, their actual control over the circumstances remains limited.
Bulimic Shopping
The concept of shopping bulimia has emerged to characterize a particular pattern of consumer behaviour. This occurs when an individual experiences an intense compulsion to acquire goods, only to subsequently return them once the initial thrill diminishes. In some instances, individuals may resort to deceit or deliberately harm the items to facilitate their return to the retailer.
Impulse Buying
Impulse buying is characterized by spontaneous purchasing decisions that individuals may later come to regret. This phenomenon is often driven by a fear of missing out or the belief that the opportunity to acquire a particular item may not arise again. These transactions are typically unanticipated, with the impulse to purchase emerging suddenly. Typically, the cost of the item is often secondary to the immediate desire to acquire it.
Collector Shopping
Collectors can develop a strong urge towards acquiring particular categories of items, often feeling a compulsion to complete sets or collections regardless of the associated financial implications or the practicality of the items being collected. In such instances, it is not solely linked to the act of purchasing but also to the satisfaction derived from adding the collection or achieving its completion.
How Do Therapies Work In Treating Shopping Addiction?
Compulsive shopping has been categorized as a behavioural addiction. While it does not entail the consumption of addictive substances, it has certain common traits, including repetitive behaviours. Hence, shopping addiction treatment options are similar to those of other substance and behavioural addictions. Most of the comprehensive treatment plans for shopping addiction include the following therapies:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for people with shopping addiction. It looks at how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. CBT helps people with shopping addiction identify and tackle harmful thought patterns and behaviours, like compulsive shopping. The therapist helps them challenge and change the negative thoughts that lead to their problems. The goal is to replace these thoughts with more rational ones, which can help reduce issues with excessive buying. CBT also provides practical strategies for managing impulse buying and spending, teaching individuals how to gradually reduce their shopping habits.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Another evidence-based therapy that can be utilised to help people with a shopping addiction is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). A key aim of DBT is to help patients build confidence and flexibility in handling stressful situations, especially during times of emotional instability. DBT is increasingly incorporated into comprehensive treatment programs to assist those struggling with behavioural addictions. Its main elements, like enhancing communication, coping strategies, and managing urges, are essential for those dealing with these conditions.
You will learn important skills through DBT modules, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. These skills are effective in reducing and addressing problematic behaviours like compulsive shopping.
Group Therapy
One advantage of group therapy is that it helps individuals feel less isolated in their struggles, fostering a sense of community and accountability among peers. Groups can offer support during difficult times and encourage healthy, creative growth. Structured therapy support groups can be a strong source of motivation, stability, and assistance. With a skilled group therapist, the recovery potential of a group can be effectively utilized to build healthy relationships, provide positive reinforcement, create a space for self-expression, and teach new social skills. Overall, group therapy can offer a broad range of therapeutic benefits.
Experience Our Treatment Programmes At The Orchid
The goal of treatment is to teach individuals to think, feel, and act in healthier ways to break the harmful cycle of shopping addiction. By teaching them skills to cope with stress and building a support network of friends, family, and others who understand their struggles, individuals can overcome their shopping addictions and lead fulfilling lives.
If you or your loved one is dealing with compulsive shopping, remember that The Orchid is always here to assist you.