There is a growing addiction infecting people from all lifestyles.
The addiction is like a disease invading one's body.
It is doubted by many, but believed by some--the addiction is shopping.
Pat Murphy Stevens, consumer education professor at The University of Memphis, said shopping addiction does exist.
"It is a real addiction," Stevens said. "It can be treated like most addictions, the first step being recognition of the problem."
According to the psychology department at Columbia University, shopping addiction, also known as compulsive shopping, compulsive buying or compulsive spending, has a scientific term: oniomania.
Oniomania is defined as an uncontrollable zest to buy all kinds of things, especially the unneeded and the unaffordable, according to Daniel Greenberg, editor at large of Science & Government Report, a Washington newsletter which reports American Psychological Association developments and finds.
The American Psychological Association reported 15 million shoppers suffer from compulsive buying, with 40 million more struggling with overspending.
However, U of M Prevention Center director Robert Klesges said he doubts there is such a thing as shopping addiction.
"I must admit I know nothing about 'shopping addiction'," Klesges said. "I do (know about) the other kinds (of addictions)--smoking, alcohol, etc. There are specific definitions for 'addiction' and I can't imagine a syndrome that would fulfill these criteria."
Klesges said he has not heard of any addiction programs for people with shopping problems.
"Moreover, I think the steps for recovery would be pretty much the same as with any other addiction," Klesges said. "(Although), I don't think people can be addicted to this in the first place."
Junior psychology major Jane Mead said she thinks people can become addicted to shopping.
"I think people can be addicted," Mead said. "I am not, because I am poor. Once I complete school, I am hoping to be able to buy some of the things I want."
According to Columbia University, shopping addiction has historically been overlooked as a true disorder, especially by the marketing field, though some estimate that as much as 10 percent of the population compulsively buys and overspends.
"The reason impulsive people spend money is because it makes them feel good," said Judy Turnbull, designer of the Overcomers Outreach Website in La Habra, Calif., during a telephone interview. "It helps people to avoid their problems. Just as an alcoholic must avoid bars, one needs to stay away from situations where they'll be tempted to buy."
Turnbull's site said people with shopping problems should try to avoid outlets where goods are being sold, including television shopping channels, mail order catalogues, the Internet and retail stores.
"Shopping addiction isn't a joke," Turnbull said. "One in seven people are hooked on spending and buying merchandise they probably will never use. Most of them are women. It's a coping mechanism for them. No demographic group is immune."
Senior journalism major Jason Greer said he does not think he is addicted to shopping, but he does enjoy the "hobby" several times a week.
"I shop about three times a week," Greer said. "I spend about $100 on clothes and about $50 on cleaning and personal hygiene items. My favorite store is Banana Republic.
"I really love when they have a sale."
Turnbull said the addiction could affect anyone.
"Even the very wealthy end up spending beyond their means," Turnbull said. "It's the thinking that if one has enough stuff, one would be happy, but one won't feel fulfilled."
Junior management of information systems major Loretta Lane said she enjoys shopping, even though she has limited funds.
"I shop maybe twice a week," Lane said. "I spend anywhere from $50 to $100 on household items like tissue, bleach, soap and items for my kids. I would not say I am addicted because I just don't have the money."
The Overcomers Outreach site presents several warning signs and solutions for individuals who may think they are addicted to shopping.
One sign is spending beyond one's means and having credit problems.
"If you're borrowing off of one credit card to pay another credit card, or if spending takes more time out of your life, then you may be in trouble," Turnbull said. "If possible, make money hard to access."
Turnbull said shoppers should leave their checkbook and automated teller machine cards at home when they go out.
"Only keep enough money on you to handle daily needs, such as food or travel expenses," Turnbull said.
Senior English major Cashaulyn Curtis-Robinson said she is indeed addicted to shopping.
"I am addicted," Curtis-Robinson said. "I spend about $200 each time I go shopping, which is over two times a week. I love clothes and makeup."
Another warning sign is buying items just because they are on sale.
"If you go into a store and justify buying an item just because it is on sale, you may have a problem," Turnbull said. "Many people buy because it is on sale and they really don't need the items because they already have them or they just buy it in fear of missing something on sale."
Overcoming the shopping addiction will take more than applying willpower and discipline, it will take additional work either through counseling or a self-help group to find out why one thinks they have to shop, Turnbull said.
Other solutions include browsing the psychology, money management or self-help sections of one's local bookstore and contacting an organization with professional financial counselors who can help one develop a plan for paying back the money one owes.
Junior biology major Megan Bailey said she does not think she is addicted, but she does find it hard to pay credit card bills at times.
"I shop about three times a week and I do love to spend," Bailey said. "I spend about $125 each week, mostly on my credit cards, which are about maxed-out."
Bailey said she buys toys for her child and other items.
"I buy clothes and accessories for my child and myself," Bailey said. "I love it, but I do worry about the bills."
Local hospitals, including Baptist Memorial Hospital and Charter Lakeside, said they do not offer support groups for shopping addiction, but they would refer a client to check out the Internet or their local consumer credit services for help.
Memphis-based volunteer service, Hands on Memphis, said they were not familiar with any addiction to shopping, but they have worked with the Synergy Foundation, which treats substance abuse.
"I would assume the treatment is the same," said Kelly Garrett, programs vice president. "I know that it is both an emotional and financial issue. Something has to be done."
Stevens said many people suffer from impulse buying and the above solutions are the first steps in conquering the problem.
"Every time we make a purchase, in essence, we reveal something about what we value and how we make decisions," Stevens said. "Depending on our income level and the influences on our purchases, shopping for some could be like an Olympic sporting event, the actual purchase is not the most important thing, it is the thrill of the hunt, the perceived bargain or being the first on the block to own the item."
