Generally speaking, a compulsive shopper will not stop when they have everything they need. It really has nothing to do with need.

Shopping addiction is caused by, primarily, the fact that you can get a physiological perk from buying something which initially you want.

Shopping addiction is nothing more than another manifestation of a process in which someone over engages in a particular activity to the exclusion of others to perhaps even the detriment of themselves and it manifests itself in the involvement of shopping, not too far away from gambling.

Recovering from addiction is a long struggle, one that extends beyond a body free from substances. Recovery is a healing process that reaches out to your relationships, your mental health, you career and even your finances.

Video interview with Dr. Marc Kern: What is "shopping addiction"?; What causes shopping addiction?; Who becomes a shopping addict?; What compels a shopping addict to buy?

People who "shop 'till they drop" and run their credit cards up to the limit often have a shopping addiction. They believe that if they shop they will feel better. Compulsive shopping and spending generally makes a person feel worse.

Gamblers with significant problems make up only about 1%-2% of the American population. It is important to note, however, that teenagers are three times more likely than adults to become problem gamblers.

Strategies for digging out from debt; from consolidation to financial advice.

Analyze your spending.

Steps to managing debt.