Compulsive Shopping: When Spending Is Like Substance Abuse

For compulsive shoppers, buying something creates a feeling related to the euphoria that alcohol induces, said Bonny Forrest, a psychologist in San Diego. As with alcoholics, it's hard to keep away from that rush of pleasure. About 6% of women and 5.5% of men are compulsive buyers. The mental disorder has not been studied extensively, but it is thought to be an impulse control disorder.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/19/health/mental-health/shopping-addiction-compulsive-buying/index.html