Are You a Shopaholic?

Movie sheds light on serious problem

In the new movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic," Isla Fisher plays a young professional who is addicted to shopping. She's maxed out half a dozen credit cards and can't afford to pay her bills.  While the movie is purely for entertainment, experts say shopaholism is a real problem that shouldn't be ignored.

"Especially in our economy today, people don't have money, but shopaholics will go out and find the money," says psychotherapist Sheri Novar. 

Experts say you have an excessive shopping problem when you get a rush or high after shopping, you spend money you don't have, and do things like hide your packages from your significant other.

Novar suggests therapy is one way to treat the disorder. There are also several books out on the subject.  You can even attend 12-step meetings, as shopaholism is similar to other addictions like alcoholism.

"It takes work, it takes commitment, and it takes the intention to really stop doing it. But it can be done," Novar said. 
 

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