Shopping is one of the most popular spare time (ACTIVE) . Magazines are full of pictures
of celebrities (LEAVE) exclusive boutiques, with armfuls of bags bearing distinctive
designer logos. Millions of us head off at the weekend to shopping malls near city centres. For the
(MAJOR) of shoppers , the biggest problems are finding somewhere to park or getting
information from (HELP) shop assistants.

But for some, the love of shopping can lead to more serious problems . An estimated one in every
five people is (ABLE) to keep their spending habits under control. Teenagers are twice as
likely as adults to become compulsive shoppers .

Experts who specialize in peoples’ shopping habits view it as an (ADDICT) . However,
they point out two important differences between shopaholism and other types of addictive
(BEHAVE) . Firstly, it is not taken (SERIOUS) by society, even though it can
happen to anyone from any social background. Increasing numbers of men are seen going on
uncontrollable shopping sprees, although, when asked, they refer to themselves as “collectors”
rather than shopaholics. The second is that, unlike drugs, alcohol or gambling, shopping is socially
(ACCEPT) and therefore easily available. We are constantly bombarded with
advertisements (PERSUADE) us to buy items we really don’t need.

Doctors in the United States have prescribed anti-depressants to shopaholics who cannot stop
themselves spending, despite already having enormous debts. In the UK (MEDICINE)
experts prefer to send such people to places where they are taught money
(MANAGE).

However, there is one glimmer of light on the horizon: doctors believe that while Internet shopping
is on the rise, it won’t make the problem worse. Shopping addicts need the buzz of the shopping
centre to satisfy their wishes. That may explain why we never see pictures of celebrities logging
onto Amazon or eBay.