5 steps to stop compulsive spending

Compulsive spenders are trying to fill their need for connecting with other people through shopping, according to Benson. "But you can never get enough of what you don't really need," she says.

That's why Yarrow advises compulsive spenders to fill their lives with other social connections and activities. Those activities could include sports, clubs, charities and book clubs.

"You cannot believe how often shopping is the center of social life for so many people," says Yarrow.

"But if you fill your life with other things, two things will happen. You won't be in the mall anymore, and you'll be hanging out with other people who aren't shoppers," says Yarrow. "You get encouragement to buy from other shoppers."

This is similar to the rationale behind alcoholics staying out of bars. "It's a lot easier to not buy things when you don't have to say 'no' to yourself," says Yarrow.