Compulsive Spending and Eating Disorders
There is Hope and Healing Available for Spending 
Compulsions...
Anorexia and bulimia are very different psychiatric illnesses in terms of how they present. Likewise, the type of individual who gets these disorders is also quite different. Speaking very generally, anorexics tend to be rigid, perfectionistic, very "by the book." Conversely, bulimics tend to be far more impulsive, daring and "out there."
Compulsive spending can be a problem for both personality types, but in different ways. Being impulsive, it would not be out of character for a college girl with bulimia to find herself in the middle of an out-of-control shopping spree. Buying this, buying that, purchasing things she doesn't really need or even want, just for the thrill of the moment. On the other hand, a career woman with anorexia may find herself addicted to buying clothes, shoes and handbags. Indirectly, this provides self nurturance. You see, food is off limits, but a designer suit – especially on her size 0 body – is acceptable.
Either way, compulsive spending is an unhealthy way to deal with emotions. Not only is the distraction or the "high" very temporary, but the far-reaching financial consequences of over spending are huge: credit card debt, loss of a home, or even bankruptcy.
Remember...Spending money and buying things are just superficial activities; neither one can give you what you really need and want. True joy and peace comes from God.
Many find help for compulsive spending useful in their eating disorder treatment.
Articles
The Shopping and Food Connection: An Examination of Hunger Diseases
Submitted by Angela R. Wurtzel, MA, MFT
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hungerforbread" ~ George Bernard Shaw, Major Barbara
Have you ever found yourself in a shopping mall, searching, with a slightly pounding heart, for something? Something to wear tonight, tomorrow, orfor that next important meeting. Or, is it something yet to be thought of, but you know you need something, or at least feel like you need something. Maybe you just want something new, what is the difference,right? You are just going to get it and then whatever is really going on will go away, maybe not even something tragic or problematic, but your mind and emotional system out of habit urges you to go shopping and get something that will, in turn, whether you know it or not, assist you in also getting rid of something. Read More
Compulsive Spending Blog
A blog dedicated to those who struggle with Compulsive Spending. Many of us suffer from co-occurring disorders and addictions. Here is a place to find hope and encouragement to overcome compulsive spendingbehaviors. View Blog Now
Resources
Compulsive Spending by Both Sexes @ WebMD Health News
Impulsive & Compulsive Spending Crown Financial Ministries
Debtors Anonymous formatted intraditional 12 step manner
Compulsive Spending online supprtRecovery Group
The Urge To Splurge by About.com: Financial Planning
How To Curb Compulsive Spending eHow Editor Amber Keefe
