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What is an Internet Shopaholic?
Shopping Online can be AddictiveShopping online is convenient. For some it is an unhealthy obsession - an endless search for for sales, bargains, new items to buy. The opportunities online are endless for a shopaholic.
"Amazon.com is the crack of shopping addicts."
- Anonymous post on an addiction forum
5 Symptoms of an Internet Shopping Addiction
You spend more time than you should shopping online.
You promise to stop ordering so much online, but are unable to resist.
Your frequent purchases and spending causes financial problems and relationship troubles. 
When you are not shopping online, you are planning your next online shopping spree.
Internet shopping has a negative impact on other parts of your life - work, friendships, finances, etc.
How to Treat Internet Shopping Addiction
- Install an Internet filter to block access to online stores and control time spent online.
- Consider having an accountability partner to help and support you.
- Start keeping a journal to track thoughts and feelings connected to your compulsive shopping behavior.
- Define distractions that can help you when you feel driven to shop online.
- Define a specific and important purpose for recovering.
Do You Need Professional Help?
Too much Internet shopping is a serious problem that can become pathological. Early intervention is the best chance of fast recovery. A web filter helps manage Internet shopping. Block the sites that are most problematic (Amazon, eBay, etc.), limit time online, prevent personal information from being released. In the case that online shopping is disrupting life, therapy can provide the immediate and intense support needed to get control and overcome the compulsive need to buy so much. A therapist will give you tools and skills to cope and help you get on the way to recovery.
