The general rule is that the possessive of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe and s, whether the singular noun ends in s or not.

The possessive of a plural noun is formed by adding only an apostrophe when the noun ends in s, and by adding both an apostrophe and s when it ends in a letter other than s.

Use only an apostrophe for singular nouns that are in the form of a plural⁠—or have a final word in the form of a plural⁠—ending with an s.

Nouns that end in an s sound take only an apostrophe when they are followed by sake.

A proper noun that is already in possessive form is left as is.

Examples of possessive adjectives in a sentence:

People who struggle with compulsive shopping may experience ups and downs in their addiction. The urge to shop is usually strongest during moments of depression, sadness, or anger. Shopping addiction has also been associated with holidays that reinforce compulsive shopping, i.e. holiday shopping in December.
People who struggle with a shopping problem initially feel a “high” or “rush” from the act of shopping. However, any positive feelings they get from gratifying their compulsion are fleeting.
Many people feel deep regret, shame, or embarrassment in the aftermath of a shopping spree, which ultimately leads to more feelings of distress and more shopping.
Some people contain their shopping problem to online shopping. Sprees on sites like Amazon.com can also play into problem shopping patterns, and are often just as devastating as in-person shopping. The ability to quietly and quickly buy more through online merchants can lead to shopping sprees in the middle of the night, during work breaks, or from the comfort of the living room sofa. These sprees are often extremely financially devastating and can be hard to control.

Anticipation. This includes ruminating on possible shopping trips or items

Preparation for shopping. This may include making lists, compulsively looking online, researching items, or talking about shopping.

Shopping. The act of shopping can take place in person or online. This includes adding items to online shopping carts or physically picking items up in the store.

Spending. Spending is the final act when a financial transaction is made and the items are given to the shopper.

People who shop compulsively experience shopping differently from people who do not have this problem.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• The act of shopping causes feelings of euphoria, or a “high.”
• The urge to buy is overwhelming, and must be gratified instantly.
• Items bought during shopping sprees are often unnecessary.
• Shopaholics often go shopping with the intention to buy only a few items and end up buying much more than they intended.
• Purchased items may be hidden from family and friends out of guilt.
• Shopaholics are often in debt, have maxed out credit cards and are in generally bad financial straits due to spending beyond their means.

If any of these signs apply to you, then you might have a shopping addiction. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward resolving it. However, breaking free of shopping addiction may require the help of others.
Your compulsion to shop may be a way you cope with issues such emotional problems or may even stem from mental health issues. Help from a supportive team is key. Addictions and compulsions often mask other problems. Qualified help may be necessary to resolve other issues that are clustered with the problem shopping. A full recovery will be difficult without treatment and support.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage your shopping addiction.

• Destroy all credit cards and delete all digitally-stored credit card numbers. Instead, pay for needed items in cash or debit card. For big-ticket items, you can elect to pay by hand-written check.
• Tell your loved ones about your problem and ask them to help you in your recovery.
• Write a shopping list AND stick to it.
• Avoid things like online stores or TV shopping channels.
• Ask a loved one to block these sites and channels on your computer, phone, and television, and then secure the password to unlock these items.
• Whenever you feel the urge to shop, acknowledge it, and then do something constructive such as exercise, or take up a hobby that does not require you to spend.

Consider ways to make it more difficult for you to spend money impulsively, such as making your money harder to access.

Most importantly, seek treatment. Shopping addiction is a serious and complex problem. Once your brain has become accustomed to the high and instant gratification of compulsive shopping, you will need support to make lasting change. Support groups are waiting to help, and licensed mental health counselors can help make change easier with coaching and evidence-based plans.

True shopping addiction requires treatment if you want to make a full recovery. You will also need the help of friends and family to prevent yourself from sliding back into compulsive shopping after treatment or a counseling program.
You may want to consider temporarily placing your finances under the control of a loved one so that person can help regulate your spending. Recognizing you have a problem shows more inner strength and also makes it easier to heal.

Compulsive shopping is about much more than a “bad habit”. Shopping addiction is a legitimate process addiction and it can be very devastating to relationships, finances, and well-being. You may want to begin by making it more difficult to spend, but challenging your own spending is only the beginning. Supportive groups, counseling, and the help and input from an experienced financial advisor are all important steps to get you back on track.

Like other forms of addiction, compulsive shopping disorder is a disease. Further, people with shopping addiction may suffer from mental health concerns or other forms of addiction, such as alcohol use or compulsive gambling.

Uncovering the root of the problem will help lower the risk that it will return later in life. Counseling and a supportive group of people who have been there themselves and truly understand can make all the difference in the world.