Shoplifting

Do any of you have issues with impulsive shoplifting? For me it goes hand in hand with the risky sex/reckless driving/binging and purging. The built up tension, giving in, eventual relief. I've done it often in the past year or so. It's always on the spot and I never plan it out. I just see the opportunity and go for it. I do notice that every time my mindset going into it is "###$ it all/###$ everyone/I don't care what happens". I almost feel invincible. The whole process gets my adrenaline pumping. Making it to the register, then out the door. When I get into my car I feel all giddy and satisfied, and then eventually ashamed of myself.

The most pathetic thing about it is that I have the money, yet the things I've shoplifted have never been over 30 dollars. The idea of being caught and having to face consequences over something that small and stupid is really humiliating, but as soon as the idea pops into my head I act quick as to not overthink it. If I convince myself to put it back and leave without going through with it, I almost feel like an even bigger failure. I don't understand it.

I did it again this morning and I feel really sad and sick over it. Just hating myself right now. How do you manage this type of impulse?

i've only shoplifted maybe..seven times, ever..so feel a little silly replying to this as i wouldn't say it's a "problem" behaviour of mine or an incontrollable impulse etc. i do think about it a lot but usually my social anxiety overrides the impulse - especially as i'm a blusher! but i've done it when it's easy... a security tag fell off once so i took the item, tried on a top that had a broach attached so i took it, changing rooms with no-one guarding and no security tags.. once i accidentally shoplifted by forgetting i'd put items in the pram basket, so i started doing it more often. i don't seek to do it but if the opportunity is there i will, just because i can i guess. like you, i'd have the money, or sometimes not even want/like what i take.

i'm scared of the humiliation of getting caught, but i get over the shame by thinking about capitalism and child labour - it's funny because i feel so guilty and ashamed of every little detail of my life, but with shoplifting it's easy for be to just be like 'i don't give a $#%^'...it''s funny because i've had a horrible morning, can't get suicide out of my head and my mum is taking me shopping before the psych. to 'cheer me up' - now i'm almost determined to steal something just to feel that buzz and express that i don't care about anything feeling.... it beats self-harm, drugs or dangerous sex right?

now i sound like i'm condoning it.. i don't have any good impulse-control advice but maybe have a look around/google for self-help for impulsive stealing?
or just keep thinking about those capitalist b*stards and convince yourself you're taking them down! go buy something of the same price from/donate to a charity shop?

Yes and I refuse ( out of all the things) to change this about me.

me too... I pride myself on being 'talented' at it, since i've done it probably 300 times and never been caught. I rarely plan it out, its impulsive and usually I just shove something in my sleeve and walk out. I rationalize it very easily and almost never feel guilty.

villain.chik wrote:me too... I pride myself on being 'talented' at it, since i've done it probably 300 times and never been caught. I rarely plan it out, its impulsive and usually I just shove something in my sleeve and walk out. I rationalize it very easily and almost never feel guilty.

HAHAHA same!

crimsonandclover wrote:Yes and I refuse ( out of all the things) to change this about me.

Haha. What if you got caught? I guess I've been paranoid about it lately beause a friend of mine was caught on camera and they busted her later on. Now I feel like the cops might show up at my house or something. Ugh. I need to calm down.

I grew up in an area called "The Strip" where theft was a way of life. I was always proud I never did it. Then, as a adult, I moved out of the area. I was really upset by the treatment I received at the hands of a very rude cashier and when she wasn't looking I stole a pack of smokes. You're right that giddy little adrenaline rush was great. it was months later that I stole again, strictly for the thrill. The third time, I got caught. I stole a bag of Twizzlers, if you can believe that. The experience of being arrested and booked was horrible. (I've never stolen again, that was 16yrs ago). The thing is, though I was embarassed, very embarassed, I never really got into much trouble. When the judge asked me what I was thinking, I simply and honestly answered, I just wanted the thrill of breaking the law. Since the item I stole was only $1.69, he easily believed that. I got a record, but they never even made me pay for the Twizzlers. It's not the scare of the consequences, that keeps me from stealing again. It's the shame of being arrested and knowing someone knows I did that. I believe, sooner or later you'll get caught and you're not going to llike that feeling. Find another way to get that thrill.
I went with skydiving. Only works first couple of times then even jumping out of a plane seems ordinary.

neowhimsical wrote:

crimsonandclover wrote:Yes and I refuse ( out of all the things) to change this about me.

Haha. What if you got caught? I guess I've been paranoid about it lately beause a friend of mine was caught on camera and they busted her later on. Now I feel like the cops might show up at my house or something. Ugh. I need to calm down.

I don't think I will