A powerful urge to steal items of little need or use A feeling of increased anxiety or arousal leading to the theft Gratifying or pleasing feelings during the theft Shame and remorse after the theft Stealing that is not rooted in gain or a sense of control, but simply in impulse Stealing episodes that happen without planning that may not be recognized by the individual until after theft is committed
Remember that kleptomania is a mental illness. Be calm, supportive, and compassionate with the person, even if you have been hurt by them. Yelling or getting mad is not going to accomplish anything. Try saying, “I’ve noticed that you steal things and that you are doing it more. These actions can lead to legal trouble. I believe you have a problem, like kleptomania. I care about you and want to help. ”
You can talk about how stealing can lead to arrest, monetary or legal consequences, the loss of a job, or loss of trust. You may say, “Stealing is illegal and a serious offense. You have been lucky so far, but you may end up with a large fine costing tens of thousands of dollars or jail time. That would have a huge negative impact on your life.
For example, you may want to say, “I know that you steal and understand it is an uncontrollable impulse. I know things trigger you, and that you feel elation after you do it. However, kleptomania is a serious condition with severe consequences. ”
For example, if the person admits to stealing but doesn’t think they do it often, tell them to write down when and what they steal. This can help them see a developing pattern of behavior.
Kleptomania is diagnosed by a doctor or psychologist. The doctor will ask the person a series of questions, such as how their impulses make them feel and what kinds of situations trigger them to steal. Try saying, “I care about you. You have gotten in legal trouble once because of your stealing, and next time it could be very serious. Kleptomania can be overcome, and I think you can do it. I think you should seek treatment. ”
The doctor may prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which have limited success in treating kleptomania. [6] X Research source Opioid antagonists may help because they are addiction medications that decrease urges and pleasure associated with addiction.
The therapist may make the person imagine the negative consequences of stealing. They may have to visualize that they are being caught while stealing and then visually walk through the negative consequences, like going to jail. This process, called covert sensitization, helps the person associate the urge with a negative consequence. Aversion therapy teaches a person with kleptomania to create some sort of uncomfortable situation for themselves when faced with a compulsion to steal. This uncomfortable condition makes it easier to resist the temptation to steal. The person may also be taught relaxation techniques to help them learn to control impulses.
Support groups offer understanding and compassion for the person with the addiction. It can help them have a successful recovery by helping them not get buried beneath feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Family therapy may be needed if the person has damaged relationships with their family or if family troubles are a trigger for the kleptomania.
For example, you can help the person set up a schedule to take their medication. If they don’t have a way to therapy, offer to drive them to their sessions. Remind the person that relapses occur. That doesn’t mean they should stop their treatment. Continuing with treatment after a relapse is an important part of sticking to recovery.
For example, feelings of stress, loneliness, or sadness may trigger kleptomania. They may be suffering from depression, which leads to stealing, or they may have a substance abuse problem that feeds into their stealing.
For example, the person may set short-term goals where they use relaxation techniques and CBT exercises learned in therapy to overcome impulses. They may also want to apologize to people they hurt and pay off any debt. Their long-term goals may be to stay stealing-free, build trust with others, start a new hobby, and build their finances back up.
Sticking to treatment is one way to help build trust. Committing to a lifestyle where they don’t steal is another way. Encourage the person to be be responsible, follow through with commitments, and keep their word.
There are many websites and books you can read to help you understand kleptomania. You may also consider speaking with a doctor or psychologist about the condition.
For example, the person may instead focus their energy into making crafts, learning to cook, or trying something they’ve never tried before.
You may want to keep them away from places they may be triggered to steal from. If they cannot go into a store without stealing, don’t take them to the mall. For example, suggest that you go to a movie, to dinner, or to a coffee house. You can go bowling. You may even suggest that you volunteer together.
You can join a gym or walk at a local track. Try doing something adventurous, like going hiking, mountain climbing, or kayaking. Take classes together, like karate, kickboxing, or dance. Yoga or Tai Chi is great exercise while also providing stress relief benefits.
