Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights, shares his struggle with a spending addiction. The hosts discuss misconceptions around spending addictions and how they affect personal lives. They also explore the impact of behavioral addictions and lack of acceptance in society. A writer opens up about their spending addiction stemming from OCD and anxiety as a single mother seeking advice. The podcast emphasizes self-discovery, reflection, and setting a positive example for others.
Spending addictions should be taken seriously and treated by professionals experienced in behavioral addictions, with a focus on identifying and managing underlying issues.
Those struggling with a spending addiction should seek therapy from sympathetic professionals and commit to regular sessions, while also confronting shame, seeking support, and acknowledging the impact on relationships and responsibilities as a parent.
Deep dives
Recognizing and Addressing Spending Addictions
In this episode, the hosts discuss the serious nature of spending addictions, beyond the common perception of being a shopaholic. The guest, Buzz Bissinger, shares his personal story of struggling with a spending addiction, which caused significant financial harm and strained relationships. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and not minimizing the addiction, seeking therapy from professionals experienced in handling behavioral addictions, and committing to regular therapy sessions. Bissinger also highlights the need to identify the underlying reasons behind the addiction and to confront and manage them. Practical tools mentioned include avoiding triggers like online shopping, reflecting on the damage caused by the addiction, and seeking the right support to navigate the healing process.
Overcoming the Shame and Seeking Appropriate Help
The hosts address a letter from a reader who is struggling with a spending addiction. The letter writer expresses feeling judged, dismissed, and misunderstood by family and therapists. The hosts reassured the reader that their addiction is not a petty problem, but a serious issue that deserves professional help and understanding. They advise the reader to find therapists who are sympathetic to behavioral addictions and to attend therapy sessions on a regular basis. The importance of recognizing the deep-rooted psychological issues underlying the addiction is emphasized. The letter writer is encouraged to confront the shame associated with the addiction, to seek a therapist who can guide them through the healing process, and to acknowledge the impact the addiction may have on their relationships and responsibilities as a parent.
Committing to the Healing Process and Self-Reflection
Buzz Bissinger provides insights into his own journey of managing his spending addiction. He shares practical steps he has taken, including avoiding stores and online shopping platforms that trigger the urge to spend, constantly reflecting on the damage caused by the addiction, and exploring the deeper psychological motives behind the behavior. Bissinger also acknowledges the ongoing struggle and the need for continued therapy and medication. The hosts emphasize the importance of taking the addiction seriously, seeking professional guidance, and deciding to make a change. The letter writer is encouraged to focus on self-care, confronting the underlying issues, and finding a support system to navigate the challenging but possible path to healing.
Buzz Bissinger owns more than 100 pairs of leather pants and over 200 pairs of leather gloves, having spent more than $600,000 on leather goods in the span of three years. Mr. Bissinger has a spending addiction, and he joins the Sugars to offer guidance to a letter-writer whose therapist and family don’t take her spending seriously. This episode was originally published on April 14th, 2018.
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