Shopaholic?

While reading Becker's article on the use of marihuana, the passage "...the presence of a given kind of behavior is the result of a sequence of social experiences during which the person acquires a conception of the meaning of the behavior" stood out to me as I have a friend who claims to be addicted to shopping. It would be odd to say that she is addicted to the actual articles of clothing (shoes, specifically), rather she is addicted to the aftermath of attaining the new additions to her wardrobe. It's almost impossible for her to go a day without checking out what's new on the online shopping venue. There seems to be a mental craving to find something to make oneself look even better or seem more appealing to others. I for one can relate, as I am well acquainted with the satisfying feelings of putting on a new pair of jeans and going out with friends. Something about new clothes seems to provide that extra boost of confidence that makes a person want to strut around and be admired. Others help to reinforce this behavior by complimenting on how cute those shoes are and how adorable that top is. The act of shopping itself can give off a certain high as people often partake on shopping trips while accompanied by close friends. Shopping would not seem nearly as appealing if not for the attention we get from others and the excuse it gives us to socialize.