@nacredambition,
I think your problem is that you've mistaken non collection of stamps for the collection of imaginary stamps. Please don't think I am telling you how to suck eggs, I admit freely that I am a newcomer to the hobby, but my experience so far, is that in order to not collect stamps, you must purge even the thought thereof.
It is a difficult discipline, and I have already relapsed on 3 occasions, purchasing stamps for the logistical relocation of written material. I have to work hard if I want to master it, I am sorry that you have come to give up such a fine past time.