Psychology
Shoplifting may be the result of a very real disorder, leaving a person unable to control their own behavior. The conditions that typically lead to shoplifting are Kleptomania and Addictive-Compulsive theft. Find out more here.
When most people hear "repeat shoplifter" they jump to the conclusion that the offender is a criminal who can’t get back on track. Unfortunately, shoplifting can be the result of a very real disorder, leaving one powerless over their own behavior. The conditions that typically lead to shoplifting are Kleptomania and Addictive-Compulsive theft. Below is some of the science behind this strange addiction.
Kleptomania
This is the failure to resist the impulse to steal, followed by a sense of relief afterwards. Kleptomaniacs are rarely aware of committing the act of theft and therefore have no sense of guilt.
Addictive-Compulsive Theft
Addictive-Compulsive Theft is the failure to resist the compulsive urge to steal. The act is followed by a feeling of relief and then guilt as they are more aware of committing the act than someone with kleptomania. Both conditions affect people who might otherwise considered normal.Related articles
The Cause
According to addiction research, people with low dopamine levels are more likely to become addicted to stealing, sex, and over-eating, in much the same way people become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the body that regulates emotional responses and controls the brains pleasure centers.Criminal vs. Compulsive
Criminal theft is accompanied by other forms of criminal thinking, believing that it’s ok to violate others or property. They may brag about the theft and try to sensationalize it. Compulsive theft on the other hand will be accompanied by guilt or a loss of memory of the act.Shoplifting Disorders and the Law
While theft is a crime, lawyers have had to become creative in their defense tactics while representing someone with a theft addiction. According to a Metro Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer, when this behavior is out of character for the person charged, it can better be defended. No crime should go unpunished, but a good criminal defense lawyer can show the court that people with these disorders need help, not punishment.Treatment
Most shoplifting disorders are treated through therapy. There are usually other factors that play into the compulsion to steal, and are effectively treated in one-on-one therapy sessions. Support groups provide a safe place for healing with people that have similar conditions. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors to help with mood and dopamine levels.Due to the nature of these disorders, there are usually no warning signs until it’s too late. Shoplifting addiction rarely affects any other area of a person’s life, making it appear as though everything is fine. Many recovering addicts believe getting caught was the best thing to happen to them because it allowed them to get the help they needed.
| By Brooke Chaplan | Embed |
Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.
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