Most compulsive shoppers have other problems as well, including depression, anxiety or other addictions, including compulsive sexual behavior, Internet addiction or compulsive gambling.

CNN: The dark side of shopping

At the center, therapists focus on pinpointing the cause of the addiction, then help patients adjust their behavior and hone their social skills.

FORBES: Wired

Real disorders, however, might cause behavior that is interpreted as sex addiction.

FORBES: The Shadowy Science Of Sex Addiction

And ritualistic behavior is a common thread in songs and books about addiction.

FORBES: The Medical Power of Ritual

Linda and and Mark Sobell have also developed programs of behavior change that use a combination cognitive-behavioral approach, and are aimed at people battling addiction, but also those trying to instill more general positive changes in their lives.

FORBES: Scrooged! The Psychology of Ebenezer-Style Transformations