Is shoplifting considered an addiction?
Anything that’s thrilling can become an addiction: gambling, sex, exercise, even regular shopping. The feeling of getting away with stealing fits that description. Addiction is defined by consequences. If shoplifting is having a negative impact on your life–if you’ve been caught, or you’re shoplifting on time you should be spending at work or with your family–but you still feel compelled to do it, then you’re addicted. If it isn’t having a negative impact, or if you’re able to stop when it does, you might not be. There’s even an organization, Shoplifters Anonymous, which has this to say: Our purpose is to provide safe, confidential and non-judgmental places for compassion, understanding and recovery from “addictive-compulsive” dishonest behavior, primarily shoplifting, fraud, kleptomania and embezzlement. […] Common reasons why people shoplift/steal: • To express feelings of anger, revenge, or entitlem
