Stealing, and taking something that belongs to others without permission can become an addiction. The habit doesn’t have to be as extreme as breaking into people’s homes or shoplifting high-priced goods. Instead, it can be due to poor impulse control that leads to addictive, and compulsive disorders. When stealing becomes an addiction it is referred to as kleptomania.
What is Kleptomania?
Kleptomania refers to an impulse control disorder in which one can develop an inability to resist urges to steal. Usually, a person will pick items that he/she doesn’t generally need, and also tend to have little value. It is a rare condition which can cause emotional distress to oneself and loved ones.
The disorder is accompanied by problems with self-control in behaviour and emotions. When someone has an impulse control problem, he/she is unable to resist the temptation to do harmful or excessive things to him/her or other people. In addition, the condition forces people to live a secret life of shame because they feel afraid to seek medical help.
Addiction to stealing is more about a psychological condition than a desire to gain financially or materially. The things you steal have little value, and one could easily afford them if they decided to pay for them.
This contrasts to criminal theft, where you steal things because they’re highly priced or out of need.
When your brain’s system is unbalanced, people develop strong urges to steal, accompanied by anxiety, arousal, and tension. After stealing, they get a sense of pleasure and relief. Sometimes, they may feel guilt or remorse after the act, but still unable to control the urge.
Person who has kleptomania, tend to steal while alone, and the habit is spontaneous. In contrast, criminal theft is well-planned and may involve other people. In addition, after stealing, they will hardly use the items that they steal and will instead give them out or stash them away.
Medicaions, psychotherapy will be useful to treat the disorder. Kleptomania is a condition that is very challenging to treat with a single mode of approach. Getting medical help is the only way to deal with it. It cannot be cured but can be definitely treated. Continual treatment helps avoid recurrent episodes of kleptomania.
