Shopping addicted ones have a tend to spend a lot of money on things that they don't need. Their wardrobes are full of items still bearing their tags. The peak comes with the spending, not with the enjoyment of what is purchased.

  Therefore they lose their ability to buy within their means. They are constantly in financial trouble and often dogged by collection agencies. When the peak of shopping disperses they are left with the guilt and shame so characteristic of the addiction cycle.

  The shame and guilt may contain the urge for a short while but ultimately it leads to the need to alleviate the bad feelings through another bout of spending.

  Jobs, financial obligations and relationships  as the uncontrolled spending leads the addict deeper and deeper into debt.  In the 1990s specialists identified symptoms of shopping addiction.  This mental and spiritual disorder is common mostly with women, some of whom have rooms full of unused purchases - with the price tags still on.
  
  Women go through a vacuum in relationships and may not always experience fulfilment in intimate relationships. Shopping helps them in affirming themselves and taking charge. Just stepping outside the house gives them a sense of worthiness and happiness.

  However, the impulse to go on a shopping binge can be controlled. You need to understand the source, where the impulse to shop is coming from and subsequently how to modify this behaviour. Some people need psychological help whereas if it is mania-related, the person needs medication.