Shopaholics Anonymous NYC
Local Support Groups and Online Resources
Living in a bustling city like New York, it can be difficult to resist the temptation of the countless shops and retail therapy opportunities. If you find yourself struggling with compulsive shopping addiction, you’re not alone. There are several local support groups and treatment options in New York City that can help you regain control over your addiction to shopping and improve your overall well-being.
One such resource available to you is The Recovery Village, who provide a range of resources dedicated to helping individuals suffering from shopping addiction. Additionally, organizations such as Debtors Anonymous and Spenders Anonymous also offer support within the New York City area. Whether you prefer in-person meetings or online support groups, these resources can provide valuable guidance and encouragement on your journey toward recovery from compulsive shopping.
Besides support groups, there are professional therapists and addiction experts in the city who specialize in treating shopping addiction. With their help, you will be able to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to your compulsive spending. Remember, reaching out for help is the first step towards regaining control of your life and overcoming your shopping addiction.
New York Local Support Groups
Help for shopping addiction is far more effective when you have access to local support groups and resources.
Unfortunately there is not currently a single comprehensive (and up to date) list of dedicated spending addiction groups to be found anywhere (I’ve looked!) so I’ve collected together the best I can find that deal with compulsive behaviors of all kinds and noted them throughout this article and my 29 Tips for the Recovering Shopaholic where I have listed all the resources I’ve found to date, that cover the various aspects of recovery.
Understanding Shopping Addiction
Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, affects many people and can lead to serious financial and emotional consequences. As someone who is addicted to shopping, you may experience the compulsion to spend money, often to alleviate negative emotions like anxiety or depression, which can ultimately cause problems in other areas of your life Verywell Mind.
According to an excellent article in Healthline, and an equally compelling one from The Very Well Mind: a person with a shopping addiction may:
- obsess over making purchases on a daily or weekly basis / Always thinking about things they plan to purchase
- shop to cope with stress or alleviate sadness / depression
- max out credit cards or open new ones without paying off previous balances
- feel intense euphoria or excitement after making purchases
- buy unnecessary things or purchase items that go unused
- steal or lie in order to continue shopping
- Lying about things they have bought or hiding their purchases
- feel regret or remorse over purchases, but continue to shop
- be unable to pay off debt or manage money
- Being unable to stop their compulsive shopping
Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD)
In 2017, The World Psychiatry Journal stated that: “Compulsive buying disorder (CBD) is characterized by excessive shopping cognitions and buying behavior that leads to distress or impairment”(Black DW. A review of compulsive buying disorder. World Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;6(1):14-8. PMID: 17342214; PMCID: PMC1805733.)
Whilst this is interesting, it really doesn’t help when you are caught in the throws of a major spending frenzy, desperately trying to resist the next one, or just having a panic attach over your credit card bill.
Knowing that that is actually classified as a mental health disorder can however make us feel slightly less alone and crazy for our compulsions, especially one that is not really viewed by the rest of the world as “serious”.
In fact the very act of taking this seriously could be the first real step towards finding a solution that actually works for you.
Check out my 29 Tips for the Recovering Shopaholic for more information on how you can reframe your issue and start to find a real solution.
Shopaholics Anonymous NYC
Shopping addiction support groups and organizations in New York City cater to those struggling with shopping addiction, they are however quite difficult to find and appear to be rolled into those groups that cater for a more generalised substance use disorders such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics anonymous and over eaters anonymous.
Whilst these might not be the kind of groups that you feel would be the best fit for you as a compulsive spender, they are best placed to point you in the right direction for ones that are, so it’s still worth getting in touch.
There is one online resource: Spenders Anonymous, which offers a list of some in person meetings options but the it’s unfortunately not well maintained, so it may be more advisable to search through online forums 1st.
In person meet up groups are of course an invaluable resource as they provide a safe space for individuals facing any form of compulsive behavior to share their experiences and find helpful guidance from others going through similar challenges, but these are not always available to us and although shopping addiction is not overtly recognised as an addiction, NA, AA & OA support groups are more than happy to accommodate anyone with a compulsive disorder.
In addition to in-person support groups, there are online resources and forums available to help you overcome shopping addiction. Websites like In The Rooms offer online meetings, supportive communities, and access to professionals that can provide guidance.
Utilizing these resources, both locally in New York City and online, can provide you with the tools and support needed to alleviate the burden of shopping addiction, create a robust treatment plan and defined action steps and consequently improve your overall well-being.
Besides the abovementioned groups, you may also consider joining Debtors Anonymous. This support group is beneficial for people who have incurred debts due to their shopping addiction, helping them develop better money management skills and financial responsibility.
To connect with a strong online community, consider web-based support forums and chat rooms designed for shopping addiction recovery. These digital spaces provide you with access to both local and international support networks, allowing you to tap into a wealth of resources and shared experiences.
Remember, you don’t have to face your shopping addiction alone. Reach out to these supportive groups and organizations in New York City, and start your journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous (DA) is a 12-step program designed to help individuals overcome compulsive shopping and debt problems. DA offers meetings and telephone conferences for those seeking support in their recovery journey. To find meetings in New York City, you can call the General Service Office of Debtors Anonymous at 800-421-2383.
The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a 24-hour hotline for people wanting help with addiction: 1-800-662-HELP. Additional options include the following:
- Search the internet for local addiction or crisis hotlines
- Call the addiction hotline at The Recovery Village at 866-923-0591
- Call the General Service Office of Debtors Anonymous at 800-421-2383
Financial Support For Overspenders
Learning how to manage your finances is key to overcoming shopping addiction. Local money management classes and workshops can provide you with the necessary skills to regain control of your financial life. You can check your local community centers or educational institutions for information on financial workshops and classes available in your area.
Getting support is fantastic and absolutely something that can be a lifeline for many of us, however there is also something to be said for taking ownership of your problem.
Even if you landed in this situation through traumatic situations outside of your control where shopping has become our socially acceptable coping mechanism, taking ownership and therefore control of it is incredibly empowering.
I have a few free tools that you might find useful if you just want to start somewhere, these might help you out.
Online support groups can also be essential to your recovery.
wherever you are in the world, Facebook has some great communities for all manor of things, you never know, it could just be that last part of the puzzle to help you out.
Shopping Addiction Treatment
Receiving support from a mental health professional and attending therapy sessions can be a crucial step in overcoming your shopping addiction. Consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. This helpline will connect you to local professionals and resources that can help you on your path to recovery.
I’ve personally had great success with Better Help, though there are a number of similar sites such as GoodTherapy, where you can find therapists who specialize in treating compulsive spending and shopping addiction. These sites allows you to search for therapists in your area or explore online therapy options for additional convenience.
Keep in mind that seeking help and support is a vital part of overcoming shopping addiction. Utilize these online resources and refine your path to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Tips for Managing Shopping Addiction
No matter where you are in your journey towards recovery, these tips can help you manage your shopping addiction and regain control of your life:
1. Seek Support: Joining a local support group is a great way to connect with others experiencing the same challenges. You can also reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in New York City.
2. Create a budget: Developing and sticking to a strict budget can help curb your spending habits. Track your expenses, set spending limits, and prioritize your financial goals. (check out our free ones HERE)
3. Use Positive Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, like those suggested by DebtHelpTools, to combat the urge to shop. Examples include “I make the right choices for my life every day” and “I have the power to control my spending habits.”
4. Find Alternative Activities: Instead of shopping, try engaging in activities that promote your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Consider exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
5. Limit Access to Credit: Limit your access to credit cards and online shopping sites. Remove saved payment information from online retailers, and carry cash or use a debit card for essential purchases.
6. Develop Healthy Coping Strategies: Learn to manage stress and cope with negative emotions in healthier ways. Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or counselling can be helpful alternatives.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and it’s essential to take it one step at a time. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
For more tips, tricks and useful resources, check out 29 Tips for the Recovering Shopaholic
If you are looking for UK resources, please GO HERE
