This was explicated in chapter 5, "The stress of excess." In it, the authors discussed the emergence of "possession overload" and "time famine," concepts which were interrelated and effectively illustrated how Americans learned to buy more than what they need in the soonest time possible. .

             Over-consumption was the American psyche that reflected how people considered excessive consumption as the immediate 'solution' in dealing with the stress that come with everyday life. Ironically, what the authors imparted in the book was that Americans worked very hard in order to financially support the lifestyle that they cannot maintain, much less enjoy (40). This realization showed that Americans were not living life as they aspired it to be: the comfort available to them only caused stress and bankruptcy. Bankruptcy resulted from over-spending and not being able to pay for these excessive purchases, while stress was caused by the need to alleviate one's sudden feelings of emotional instability and the pressure to keep up with other people's apparent ascent towards 'affluence.' .

             Over-consumption was the over-all detrimental effect of affluenza to the individual. Through this first 'symptom' and effect of affluenza, readers were able to relate to the nature of the social epidemic itself. It is by associating one's self that the authors were able to let their readers comprehend the complexity of this social problem. This was because, more than the American individual, affluenza had detrimentally caused disorder in the society, specifically the social order of its important institutions, such as the strength and integration of people together in a family and community.

             The second symptom and effect of affluenza illustrated this social disorder, identified as the disintegration of the American family and community. The authors considered "socially sanctioned addiction" as the cause of disintegration within the family and community.