well, it finally happened

I have had a terrible day with lots of tears and nausea.

Today, I was caught stealing at walmart, but they did not call the police or take me to the office or anything. I was using a bundle buggy and told them that I had forgotten to buy some of my shopping. They had to believe me, I am sure, but they did not.

I left the store after purchasing the items that I had tried to 'hide' in my bag, and said to myself, well, it finally happened.

I had been wondering when I was going to get caught, and knew that it would happen eventually but I have been shoplifting for almost a year now - grocery store, dollar store, department store, etc.

I know that I have an addiction to shoplifting and have a history of compulsive behavior that would not surprise any of you - oh yes, and also a long history of abuse.

I would like to know of some concrete strategies that have been successful for you. I have already decided not to take my bundle buggy with me to any store if I am by myself.

Thankyou so much for reading this post and considering my request.

Audrey

Hi Audrey,

While I've haven't had full-blown kleptomania, I did have bad impulse control.

I saw this quote on a website: "How much would you have to steal to make your life fair?" You mentioned abuse, so I got the impression that you're almost trying to steal back what was taken from you.

There were things I did compulsively to "make life fair," whether it was out of revenge, to make myself feel worthwhile, or simply for the thrill of it. I'm not very familiar with shoplifiting addiction, so these may not apply to you.

I thought that this was a concise, informative article on some possible treatment approaches:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/klepto ... -and-drugs

I'm sorry that you had a bad day. But the good part is that you now seem ready to do something about your impulse control. I'd try to use it as a springboard, and to get help.

For me, realizing and admitting that I had a problem was more embarrassing than any previous consequences of said problem. It wasn't until much later that I learned that the words "I want to change" should be celebrated.

Good luck ((hug))

--Frayed