Shopper Describes $10,000 Credit Card Debt Linked to Mental Health Conditions

A Reddit user in the r/shoppingaddiction community described reaching a $10,000 credit card balance after repeated purchases that began as small rewards for stressful days. The user stated that shopping became a source of dopamine and temporary control when feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. Guilt followed each purchase, according to the post.

The shopper linked the spending pattern to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Business Research examined similar behavior as a form of self-medication for emotional stress. Psychology Today described dopamine release occurring both during acquisition and in anticipation of purchases.

Other users in the subreddit reported comparable experiences, with one stating they also carry $12,000 in shopping-related debt alongside diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Participants suggested tracking exact spending amounts to define the problem more clearly. One comment noted that reviewing statements often brings relief by turning vague worry into a specific figure.