Rusty Solomon
Rusty Solomon’s Take on Shopping Addiction
Compulsive shopping is a socially accepted addiction that is also known as Omniomania. Rusty Solomon believes that being bombarded with advertising and prompts that insist that purchases will bring happiness is one reason for this addictive behavior. Politicians encourage spending to boost the economy, sales people are constantly pitching the latest and greatest must have product and society measures our social worth with what we own. Some people measure their own worth by their purchase power.
The opinion of Rusty Solomon is that the six percent of the United States population that is suspected of having this disorder may also be suffering with others disorders that could include personality disorders, substance use or eating disorders and anxiety or mood disorders. This behavior may have an onset in the late teenage years into early adulthood. It was recognized as early as the early 1900′s.
Not everyone believes that shopping is a true addiction. These experts insist that to be a true addiction, it must have a psychoactive substance that would induce withdrawal. Rusty Solomon is of the opinion that this addiction is driven by spending money as a process. The spending process is used to mask depression, boredom and negative feelings.
Rusty Solomon has noted that many compulsive shoppers hoard their purchases untouched and begin planning their next shopping spree as soon and the money has been spent for the present one. This can lead to problems with finances and relationships as the money worries mount.
Omniomania sufferers can receive treatment. However, Rusty Solomon, points out that the treatment does not always work across the board for all sufferers. These treatments include financial counseling, support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also known as CBT. Medications are also available that have shown promise for some people.
Breaking the cycle of compulsive shopping requires understanding from family and friends and an effort by the shopper to find other ways to sooth their feelings at their urge to shop. The shopper will need to recognize that they are using the act of shopping to mask feelings that, Rusty Solomon believes, would best be faced up front.
Additional Resources:
Rusty Solomon: Listed on Lastfrontiernews.com
Rusty Solomon: Article on Companystatfutures.com
Rusty Solomon: Article on Wiredprreview.com