The rise of shopping addiction in the UK

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. What is shopping addiction?
3. The psychology behind shopping addiction
4. Signs to spot for someone with a shopping addiction
5. How to manage shopping addiction
6. How Delamere can help
7. Take the first step

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For many of us shopping is harmless fun; a treat at the weekend, a new outfit for a birthday, or a little indulgence. 

But when shopping becomes compulsive, it can cause serious harm.

Shopping addiction doesn’t just affect finances; it can strain relationships, fuel secrecy and guilt, and have a damaging impact on your mental health over time.

Previously thought to affect around 5% of adults, research by Assistant Professor at Yale Kirsten Morie suggests that, after the pandemic, 10% of the population now suffer from shopping addictions.

This relates more broadly to a general rise in behavioural (or process) addictions that we are seeing across the sector this past year. 

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What is shopping addiction?

Shopping addiction is often a misunderstood addiction; it is a “process or behavioural” addiction.

It’s not substance-related, but a form of addiction that involves compulsive behaviours, even when they may be causing harm in your life.  

This is also not about simply enjoying fashion or liking nice things; it’s about shopping becoming a way of coping, soothing emotions, or chasing a psychological “high”.

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The psychology behind shopping addiction

Each time a purchase is made, the brain releases dopamine, the same “feel-good” chemical associated with winning a bet or experiencing a runner’s high. This creates a rush of pleasure or euphoria.

The problem is that the dopamine boost is only temporary. 

For some, the excitement of buying becomes a way to cope with stress, anxiety, boredom, or loneliness. But the relief doesn’t last and the urge to shop returns, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

At Delamere, we frequently see shopping addiction linked to underlying emotional or psychological challenges, including:

• Low self-esteem: buying to feel more attractive, capable, or confident.
• Anxiety or depression: using shopping as a distraction from painful feelings.
• Boredom or loneliness: filling emotional gaps with material possessions.
• Past trauma: seeking comfort or escape through purchases.

In some cases, shopping addiction also coexists with mental health conditions. 

For example, individuals with bipolar disorder may engage in impulsive spending during manic episodes, which can intensify the cycle of addiction.

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Signs to spot for someone with a shopping addiction

Recognising when shopping has shifted from a habit to an addiction isn’t always easy. Some common signs include:

• Financial struggles: falling behind on rent, bills, or debt repayments due to overspending.
• Preoccupation: constantly thinking about shopping or browsing online.
• Hiding purchases: concealing shopping bags or deleting order confirmations.
• Emotional highs and lows: a buzz after buying, followed by guilt or shame.
• Impulsive spending: buying on a whim, even when it makes no sense.
• Using shopping as a crutch: turning to purchases when stressed, lonely, or unhappy.
• Defensiveness: becoming irritable or secretive if questioned about spending.
• Social withdrawal: avoiding loved ones due to embarrassment or financial pressure.

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How to manage shopping addiction

Acknowledging the issue is the foundation of change – once you accept that shopping habits are no longer controlled, you can begin to explore healthier ways of coping and work towards rebuilding a balanced relationship with money and spending.

Practical strategies that can help include:

• Creating a budget and committing to it, so you have clear boundaries around spending.
• Limiting access by removing saved payment details, unsubscribing from marketing emails, and avoiding websites or apps that trigger impulsive purchases.
• Finding healthier outlets for stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, journaling, or creative hobbies.
• Talking to someone you trust, whether a friend, family member, or support group – breaking the secrecy can be a powerful step forward.
• Reaching out for help if the problem feels overwhelming or unmanageable on your own.

Self-help techniques can make a difference, but sometimes professional treatment is the most effective way forward. 

Delamere provides expert support to help individuals not only stop harmful behaviours but also understand the underlying emotions driving them, creating lasting change and a healthier, happier life.

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How Delamere can help

Our team of addiction specialists, therapists, and psychiatrists provide personalised care to help guests regain control over shopping.

Delamere’s Stop, Start, Grow, Bloom programme is designed to:

• Stop harmful behaviours safely and supportively.
• Start uncovering and addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
• Grow by developing healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience.
• Bloom into long-term recovery and living life beyond addiction.

Importantly, we don’t just focus on shopping itself; we help individuals understand the emotions, habits, and life experiences driving the addiction, ensuring a stronger foundation for lasting recovery.

At Delamere, we use evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help guests understand and change destructive thought patterns, alongside holistic approaches like mindfulness, Qigong and group support.

During these sessions, you can map out strategies for potentially triggering situations like opening promotional emails or being online so you can avoid “white-knuckling” your way through life and continue to grow beyond addiction.

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Take the first step today

To learn more about how Delamere can support someone with a behavioural addiction, please book a consultation over the phone or email us [email protected].

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