Hi I am new here and found this site. How does this group work exactly? I compulsively spend online and in stores.
My buying addiction changes from books, to art supplies, to clothes for my kids etc....I spend all my money and many times before I even get paid. I did try debtors anonymous back in January and it did not really click with me (the people). I did not really find anyone to be my sponsor that I felt could help me. It seemed everyone was either a hoarder/pauper/did not spend at all or they were male spenders (which I am female and wanted a female sponsor). The meetings are 30 miles away and the times they have them are not good for me. I think DA could help me but it has not worked out for me so far. I feel really alone though and a lot of anxiety. I feel like I am the only one I know with this problem. I know I am not but I am the only one I know (out of my family/friends). I have no one to relate to.
Is a wise decision to continue seeking help & having the answer IS half the battle to acknowledge how to start dealing w/it, GOOD FOR YOU. As your probably aware your filling something w/the shopping & we're here to talk/vent/share anytime you feel like it.
Take care of you.
April
Hi Bella: I just started going to DA and find you have to be into it on your own-you have to read books and DA literature as well to get the overall picture. You may not have to go to actual meetings, and I have heard you can attend online meetings if getting there is a problem. The people in my group are similar to what you have found-hoarders, people who cannot spend money and cannot even use something not specifically belonging to them, couples who have been "keeping up with the Jones'". sometimes the group leaders get so annoyed at others for not following ossly strict rules within the meeting-very bizarre, but I keep going. I am not there to become queen of D.A., I am just there because like all the other folks, I cannot manage money, I have an illness and need coping mechanisms to ensure I stay out of trouble.
Again, read, read, and read...they say in the books I have read that the "why" doesn't really matter...why you got to D.A, why you got in trouble with money, etc. Just now that you have had this awakening, you need to cope with it so that it doesn't ever get the better of you again.
So check out the books, and check out the possibility of online meetings. Dont be concerned that the people aren't like you-they are in some way...and be proud of yourself for even getting to this place at all-you are a brave person and you will get better-S
Hi. I am new to this site, but not to trying to stop shopping. As things grew more complex in my life, my shopping increased and increased. It took me a long time to see it as a problem, even when I spent embarrassing amounts of money and hurt my family by using up our savings. I love all things "collector," like Christmas decorations, household items, jewelry, in addition to clothes and shoes of all kinds. We are buying an expensive new house now, and it is up to me to get-it-together so we can live without tension and anxiety, and I can begin to repair my relationship with my husband. I think I may need a lot of support to keep myself from temptation. How does this site work? Has it helped people to keep their shopping impulses under control? I appreciate any information or support that anyone can give me. Thanks!
Hi,
Is this an active group? I only see a few posts. I would really like some people to talk to about my shopping problem.
Roberta
this is not that active a group but I will stay tuned in if you want to talk/write…etc. Best, Superman
HI..I am new here tonight..I entered my zipcode on the Debtors' Anonymous site and it showed that they have no group in my area, so I guess my only hope is to make myself get busier with volunteer work so I am too tired to shop or see if this online group can help me....or confess my sin to a trusted friend for support or else I will go crazy with guilt from my husband being so disappointed in me from not saving money.
Debtors anonymous has telephone and online meetings and workshops-google danyc.info to find out more. Also There are many great books, A Currency of Hope is a must! Start reading and stay out of stores! Best, Superman