|
Addicted to shoplifting. How to stop shoplifting from stores!
Ok, this is terrible but I need HELP!
I've been shoplifting for a little over two years now. I've taken A LOT of stuff. I take little things or big things--it doesn't really matter as long as I leave with something I should have purchased! It's pathetic sometimes because I'll steal something I really don't need or end up not even using. I don't know why I just keep doing it. It feels like I'm compelled to when I'm inside a store. I'll check the entire store out like I'm really shopping (I'll even try clothes on that I'm not even interested in) but the truth is that I'm scouting out my next steal and finding the "easy target" and/or "easy location" in the store.
I don't want to steal from stores though. I know it's against the law and I can get in a lot of trouble. I've tried to stop doing it or cut-back even from it almost feels like I NEED to when I'm in that moment?
I use to feel like I had butterflies in my stomach when I stole something and when I used it the first time. I even stole a jacket once and felt almost PROUD to be wearing it since I wasn't caught. See...it's gone too far and I'm scared of myself now. The butterfly feeling has long gone and I feel pathetic when I take things without paying but I just can't stop doing it.
What do I do so I can stop this? I don't want to be a criminal. I don't want to get arrested or go to jail. I don't want that embarrassment either! Sad to say, I don't want this useless JUNK setting around my room! Please give me some advice here because I'm completely lost!
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
I would start small. Get a friend you can trust to go shopping with you and make sure they watch you at ALL times and stop you if you try to steal.
Don't go shopping for a while. Maybe jsut avoiding stores for a month or two may help you?
If not, and you have full-fledged kleptomania, you're going to have to seek help. a guidance counselor, a parent, somebody.
]
It definitely sounds like you need to get some help. There is something called Kleptomania, basically an addiction to theft.
You need to talk to someone you can trust so they can help you. Therapy can help or maybe an adult you know will be able to help you without having to send you to a specialist.
I'm glad you know what your doing is wrong and are willing to admit you need help. That is ALWAYS the first step to fixing a problem like that.
]
It sounds to me like you have a pretty well known disorder called kleptomania. Basically, you steal compulsively, and you can't stop or control it. It's treatable, but you need help.
The first thing you need to do is tell an adult that you trust, whether your parents or a school counselor. Be honest, tell them everything. They should be able to get you hooked up with a therapist who can help you deal with the compulsive behavior and the reasons for it.
You've done a brave thing in asking for advice, even from anonymous people. Good luck.
]
More Questions: |