shoplifting addiction

Someone told me that shoplifting can become an addiction. Is that true? What are the causes and symptoms of this. Is any treatment is available to treat this and get out of it. I'd be curious to know about it. Help me.

Hi,

Yes, it can become an addiction, just like alcoholism, gambling, etc. the reasons why it starts are varied, but can include: poverty and a resulting feeling that shoplifting is a necessity to save money; 'thrill' of shoplifting that develops into an obsession gone out of control; having a grudge against the store in which you shoplift, etc. In general, the person has to be susceptible to obsessive traits for the shoplifting addiction to really take hold. One could argue that alcoholics and addictive gamblers are susceptible in such ways.

In this situation, is it you who has the addiction? I believe that owning up to a trusted confidant (i.e. parent, close friend, etc) would be beneficial. Ultimately, you might have to abstain from ever going into the store again in order to get over this. It is an addiction though - like any other - remember that.

Kevin