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Medicating through spending money?

madison1101

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I have the same problem. There is a 12 step program for people called Debtors Anonymous. I intend to visit there someday. It is a behavioral addiction, and I have had to learn to self-soothe, and learn to identify what I want to medicate with my shopping. Some self-soothing includes deep breathing, exercise, prayer, meditation, journaling, Bible Reading, bubble baths, you name it, if it calms me down, I try it.
 
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scraparcs

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Just make sure that you turn self-soothing into constructive rather than destructive behaviors. I can't seem to get past destructive. If it's not shopping, it's random binge drinking, if not that it's heavy gambling. What next, I say?
 
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Onlythingavailable

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I think madison1101 posted some great advice. Medicating with spending money really isn't helpful, nor will it work out in the long run. I'd suggest seeing a counselor and trying to find the root of the problem. It might be painful, but at least it would provide answers and a possible lasting cure, instead of temporary euphoria that can lead to all sorts of trouble.
 
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goldenviolet

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i'm a shopper for deals. i've over spent seeing a good deal, and think i'm getting deal; then it turns out, i shouldn't have bought it yet or at all. so. in searching for abit of disapline on my spending, i have a very strict rule. i may only buy what i went to the store for. nothing more. so if i see a deal; oh well. i have to pass it up. now i've discovered that the 'must have' things are always in my budget with no budget mishaps. another thing i do is set aside $30.00 and go to the dollar or thrift stores. i buy to donate to the shelters, or church. and ofcourse myt mission is to stretch it out as far as possible. one time i found the bible on CDs... i spent every penny on them and donated them to someone i know, who does outreach to the elderly and disabled. now this is truelly fullfilling! ~ love dee
 
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Angeldove97

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I figured out a way to control this; stop going to stores, limit my magazine and tv watching, and pray every time I get my paycheck and before I spend money.

Woot that's wonderful news--- I pray you will continue to stick to this method and continue on with your healing.
 
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