Born to Spend: How to Overcome Compulsive Spending

by Gloria Arenson

Book Overview

Spending money can serve much the same purpose as drinking, smoking, eating, or gambling for people searching to fill an emotional void in their lives. The simple act of buying something can be a kind of tranquilizer for compulsive spenders. Like other addictions, an obsession with shopping can be conquered with hard work and a sincere and a sincere desire to change. This book explores the psychology of overspending, and then relates the real-life...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830621555
• ISBN13: 9780830621552
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: TAB-Human Services Institute
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Plan That Works

Most of us make jokes about people who spend too much, but it is not just a bad habit. This book is for those who can't stop shopping and those who love them. Compulsive spenders use pleasure to mask the pain of life's problems and to self medicate negative emotions, especially anger and frustration. The author teaches readers a simple three step approach to link the urge to splurge with an intense emotional experience that triggers a trip to the mall or home shopping on the internet. She also points out that some overspenders are really "self-debtors" who need to spend to get rid of their money because they don't feel worthy of having it in the first place. Arenson's stories of many of her clients are easy for readers to identify with. She has worked with men and women who keep maxing out their credit cards, people who have had to declare bankruptcy, and some who have stolen or embezzled money to fund their addiction. She instructs readers how to experience Mall Therapy by going shopping with a non-compulsive friend and the instruction sheet. She gives hope to those who are ashamed of their inability to stop themselves. This revised version of this long-time popular book introduces the reader to EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques.) EFT is a simple acupressure technique that eliminates the urge to spend and helps readers deal with the life problems that create the stress that creates the urge to shop. Learn more about EFT by reading her award winning book, Five Simple Steps to Emotional Healing as well as Freedom At Your Fingertips. Laurence Brockway, MA, MFT