I have recently been diagnosed with ADD. Is a shopping addiction something you can help with?

Good morning and thank you for your inquiry.  For a person recently diagnosed with ADD, therapy is definitely something that can help. There are different strategies and tools that you can learn to help you function as optimally as possible.  

Since I can only base my response off of the information you explained, some of what I say may not be applicable.  With that being said, it sounds like part of your ADD symptoms are rooted in your impulse control, which in turn is directly linked to the shopping addiction you described.  Hearing how you get the initial high, but quickly after feel that regret is something that you can change, even if at the moment it seems nearly impossible. 

Can you think about the impulse to shop and see if you can pinpoint any triggers?  Like do you tend to shop when you're stressed, sad, frustrated, bored, etc? Just like with any addiction, we do it because it feels good in the moment, even if there are negative consequences later on.  The reason why I asked about the triggers is that being aware of how you're feeling leading up to it, the better likelihood that you'll be able to change it.  

When you think about it, we are all creatures of habit and even though on an intellectual level we know what we're doing isn't the best, but we put that to the side because as I stated above, we do what feels good and where we find that comfort. The good news in all of that is we can retrain our brain over time and those are the strategies I was talking about.  You can learn how redirect yourself by talking yourself through how you're feeling as well as looking to replace the shopping with something else. 

The other suggestion to take into account is looking at what your support system looks like.  When you don't have anyone to talk to, it can seem really lonely.  And being able to have an outlet to voice whatever your thoughts are is very beneficial.  A friend, a relative, or even looking into support groups with other people who have ADD. 

Hope this gives you a good idea of some of the work that you can do in order to contain any of the shopping impulses you described.  The next steps should be to be matched with a therapist so you can begin this work.  Just keep in mind that this is a process and at times, could be challenging; however, you will learn more about yourself and see how strong you actually are.  Good luck with everything.