If you have read my “story” closely, you might recognize these signs in my life or even in your own.

For example, if you share a credit card or joint account with a loved one, compulsive online shopping can cause severe financial stress not just for you, but for your loved one, too. This, in turn, can lead to mounting conflict in your relationship. Like me, you may find yourself lying or hiding purchases to avoid further conflict.

There are a number of other signs that you are addicted:

• spending excessive amounts of time and money on online shopping.
• finding it hard to control your urge to shop on-line, even when it causes financial, emotional or physical troubles
• lying to friends and family about the sheer magnitude of your on-line shopping or hiding purchased items
• neglecting important responsibilities or obligations in favour of on-line shopping
• experiencing feelings of guilt, shame or anxiety about your online shopping patterns
• coping with these negative feelings or stress  by shopping on-line
• having withdrawal symptoms like irritability or apprehension when not shopping

Is this starting to sound familiar?  Does it echo your own experience? What would you add to this list? What would you do to begin unravelling this vicious cycle?