Kleptomania Support Group

Kleptomania is an inability to resist impulses of stealing. A person with this disorder is compelled to steal things, generally things of little or no value, such as pens, decorative pins, or wall decorations. They are often unaware of performing the theft until some time later. If you are suffering from kleptomania, join the group and get support.

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Mental Health
/ Kleptomania Support Group

treatment for kleptomaina

deleted_user
deleted_user
I an 37 years old and have shoplifted here and there for most of my adult life, without any problems. But now I am faced with over 4 different charges and scared I wont ever be able to stop.
It all started in 06. My 15 year old daughter committed suicide. She hung herself 3 weeks before her 16th birthday. In 07, before her next birthday, I was arrested for stealing baby booties. ( I don't have a baby) In February of 08, I woke up and my husband had moved out in the middle of the night. No note, no money, I couldn't even walk because I was waiting on knee surgery. After that I have been arrested 3 more times, once in Limestone co. which I am on unsupervised probation for, and the next two were a felony, and a mistaminer, in Madison co. which I am currently in a diversion program called mental health court, and could go to jail for 6 mo if discharged. Here's the problem.
I was stopped at walmart 2 /13/ 09 for changing price tags. I paid 60 dollars for 260 dollars of stuff. I haven't been arrested YET I was taken by ambulance for freaking out to the hospital.
Does any one know of a treatment that has been successful in treating this crazy illness?? Any and All, advice will be used and appreciated Thank you, TYLA
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nope. No cure. No treatment. I am your age and my story is very similiar. I am bipolar and have shared my "secret" with many psychiatrists and the answer is always the same, they can't help me (with that issue.)

If you want to talk, just message me.

There is a program, I don't remember what the name is (I can find out for you) located in the Chicago area and I live in South Carolina. It's a support group/12 step type program, I think. I don't know what their success rate is though. It's the ONLY treatment program that I know.
deleted_user
deleted_user
How do I message you? I also have a 13 year old daughter and my b-day was the 25 th 'yesterday' what ever you do don't steal your b-day present. lol, hahaha. Another thing my parents are from Greensborough NC so we have a lot in common. Did you say you feel like a 12 step program would be helpful? Have you ever had charges against you?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Click on my name "JOANNE1971" below my name to message me.

Strangely, I have a fear of shoplifting on my, hubby or children's birthdays. I am afraid to land in jail and ruin their day forever.

Yes, I believe the program that works is 12 step.

Yes, I was charged with stealing a puppy from a pet store. The puppy cost over $1,000 so it was a felony but I pleaded to a misd.
deleted_user
deleted_user
that's bullshit there is a treatment, kleptomania is a form of OCD and is brought on usually by trauma often people who suffer from PTSD suffer from OCD as a way of being in control of there lives usually because the PTSD was caused at a time when they had no control, E.G. when daughter killed herself. because kleptomania is often not just an addiction but a compulsion it can be treat with therapy and Prozac which is used to treat depression it takes a long time to fix kleptomania because the psychologist has to replace the stealing with something else in effect swapping stealing for watching T.V. or working or playing video games or shit what either you like, however what JONNE1971 has been saying is true a therapist is useless for treating kleptomania you need to see a psychologist, they specials in shit like this.
my psychologist has been trying to stop me form stealing for a year now, but every time shes come to the same conclusion i like stealing and im not gonna stop EVER.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I find that its most helpful when I can avoid situations where I will steal and keep myself busy so the opportunity isn't really available. I have created a list of things I can do instead of steeling that I feel good about. When I am really in a situation when I want to take something I try really hard to think if I really NEED it. Of course need and want can be closely related and can change very quickly, but I have from time to time avoided stealing items using these methods. I think I will always feel compelled to steal, and it will always be hard for me to go to stores or have access to take something and get away with it, but I want to continue practicing mindfulness. I would love to hear if anyone else has ideas for avoiding taking things!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I also beleive there is help for this. I am seeing doctors for this and they are trying to help. For me asking if i really need the item is not going to help. I steel stupid things. I do not go in the store thinking about it but when i get in side everything changes. I start makeing excuses why i should steel from the store. I was cought today stealing 10 dollar saw blades and now i am screwed. last year i was caught and placed on probation, i dont know what will happen now. Like others have said replace the urge with other things and i have made the choice to not go shopping alone anymore.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My son suffers from Kleptomania. At one time, his Psychiatrist prescribed him Seroquel. It is a controversial drug, we only had him on it for two weeks before he asked to be taken off of it because it made him dizzy. It has other side effects, too. I only mention it because you sound like to really want help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and proper evaluation by a Psychiatrist are the only ways I know of to combat this compulsion. You are not alone, but you do have to be strong to get better. There are lots of books on the subject of OCD based compulsions. Good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi , my name is colindove77 and I am in the situation that I can steal things easily. But I don't need most of the things I steal. I'm new here but I empathise with you all. As I have depression as well I seem to be able to justify shoplifting, as it lifts my mood.
I am well off now, though spent 15 years in poverty.
Just want to give my encouragement.
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