Dr. April Benson's Q&A Page

• Mother Searches How to Let Her Children Know About Their Fathers Addictions

  May 16, 2011 - Permalink

  I am a divorced mother of two daughters who are 13 and 12 years of age. I have full custody of both of them. Their father is still in the picture and recently took them to Florida for vacation. I received a call Thursday...

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• College Student Researches Shopping Addictions

  Apr 05, 2011 - Permalink

  I am a third-year Journalism student at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I'm currently working on a news story for www.Calgary20.ca on shopping addiction and was wondering if I could speak with you on...

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• I shop until every penny is gone

  Apr 13, 2010 - Permalink

  I have a serious problem with shopping I can’t stop, I shop until every penny is gone within one hour. It has gotten so bad that I’m butting heads with my husband over my continual shopping. How bad could it be, well I’m...

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• Who Conducts The Interview

  Nov 02, 2009 - Permalink

  Who would be a person to conduct an intervention? Could it be someone from Debtor Anonymous? Thanks. - Lora

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• My Step-Son Is Stealing For His Addiction

  Oct 02, 2009 - Permalink

  This question is actually about my step-son. He has most recently been fired from his job because of stealing money because he is addicted to shopping/spending. This is not a new problem but it definitely has escalated...

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• My Husband Is Chronically Depressed With Shopping Addiction

  Aug 10, 2009 - Permalink

  Hello Dr. Benson, I'm writing on behalf of my husband who has suffered from chronic depression for 20+ but also has severe compulsive spending addiction. We're in California and tried so many doctors without any luck....

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• Therapist In The Boston Area

  Feb 10, 2009 - Permalink

  I need help. Do you have any recommendations of a therapist in the Boston area? Thank you. - Elizabeth

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• Ruth Asks For Help With Overshopping

  Feb 10, 2009 - Permalink

  Where do I begin? Speaking of something that has had control of my life for years! I need help and just don't even know where to go. I am 53 years old and feel like this is something which I should be able to control but...

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• How Can I See The Sign's of my Husband's Compulsive Shopping

  Jan 16, 2009 - Permalink

  How can I see the signs of my husband's compulsive buying and how can I help him stop? He has spent as much as our mortgage so far and we have 3 young kids. I need help and I need financial protection. - Nathalie

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• How Can I Help My Son-In-Law

  Jan 16, 2009 - Permalink

  My son-in-law is a compulsive shopper - for property, items on eBay, cars. I want to talk to my daughter and would like to have some information such as what this kind of addiction is called, perhaps something to read...

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• Michelle Wants To Stop Over Shopping

  Jul 14, 2008 - Permalink

  I need your help. I can't stop. I feel upset or feel that I can't control my life so I shop. I get new clothes, now it is groceries and things that I'll never use. I compulsively buy diet things (health food) or clothes...

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• Nicole Asks What Are My Options?

  Jun 10, 2008 - Permalink

  I am probably the typical over shopper. I shop when I am depressed. I shop when I am happy. I have a large amount of credit card debt, but have not ever filed for bankruptcy or not made a payment. I pretty much work...

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• Finding Help For My Father

  Mar 10, 2008 - Permalink

  My family is concerned about my Dad who is a compulsive spender and has had money problems for years. His marriage is in jeopardy due to his history of mismanaging money to the point of foreclosure of his home. He also...

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• Alcohol to Compulsive Spending

  Feb 08, 2008 - Permalink

  I'm a psychiatrist on the faculty at George Washington University. My brother-in-law, who lives in Fargo is an abstinent alcoholic who now, on limited income, has apparently an uncontrollable substitute addiction, namely...

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• Compulsive Spending with Three Children

  Feb 08, 2008 - Permalink

  I am so sad. I know I am addicted to shopping. The thought of not going to shopping terrifies me. What will I do? I'm married with three children. My husband and I are both elementary school teachers. We pay our bills on...

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• Finding Clinical Help with Compulsive Spending

  Dec 17, 2007 - Permalink

  What type of doctor or clinician should I look for to help with compulsive spending? I live in Alpharatta, GA. Can you recommend anyone is that area?

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• Impulse Buying Causing Financial Strains

  Dec 17, 2007 - Permalink

  I have a problem with impulse buying. Especially with large purchases like cars. It puts me into situation where money gets tight and I end up regretting the purchase afterwards. I have maintained good credit and am...

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• Professionals that Treat Hoarding

  Nov 09, 2007 - Permalink

  Where would I find the list of Licensed Professionals that treat compulsive hoarding that is mentioned in your blog?

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• Hoarding As an Addiction

  Oct 16, 2007 - Permalink

  I am a huge fan of antiques and unique little trinkets. However, my house has become cluttered with all of these things. When I say cluttered, I am downplaying it a lot. Every room in my house is full of all of these...

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• Shopping Addiction Denial

  Oct 15, 2007 - Permalink

  I don't know if I would call my spending habits an 'addiction'. It is more of a hobby. Buying something new makes me feel better about myself. I love the way a piece of clothing looks the first time I wear it. However,...

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