How to Stop Your Addiction to Stealing
Understand that you deserve help., Define your stealing behaviors., Write out your feelings., Determine the consequences.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Understand that you deserve help.
It is important to know that you are worthy because many individuals with guilt (including shame about stealing) may not believe that they deserve help.This often prevents them from seeking assistance.
You do deserve help and understanding, and you are not alone. -
Step 2: Define your stealing behaviors.
It is important to first identify the specific reasons why you steal in order to begin to change this behavior.Do you steal for an emotional high? Do you feel initial tension, then a thrill of excitement that builds up prior to the theft and relief after it's done? Is this then followed by feeling guilt, shame and remorse? These are some signs that stealing may be a problem for you.
Do you steal to escape? When stealing, do you feel different, as if you're not yourself or you're not in touch with reality? This is a fairly common state of feeling for individuals who steal. , After you've discovered what drives your stealing behaviors, try free writing about your need to steal.
Don't censor your feelings – everything you think about or feel is important to note.Be sure to name the feelings, such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness, being creeped out, exposed, vulnerable, etc. that accompany the need to steal. , Thinking about the consequences of your behaviors can help to reduce impulsivity.If you have been nearly caught, or have been caught (or caught several times), write all of this down.
Also write down your own subsequent feelings, such as shame and guilt, and the actions you use to try to cope with these feelings or remorse or disgust, such as drinking too much, cutting yourself, destroying the things you've stolen, or other destructive actions.
If you have been caught, how strong were the accompanying feelings? Why do you feel that even being caught isn't enough to overcome the need to steal? Write it all down. -
Step 3: Write out your feelings.
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Step 4: Determine the consequences.
Detailed Guide
It is important to know that you are worthy because many individuals with guilt (including shame about stealing) may not believe that they deserve help.This often prevents them from seeking assistance.
You do deserve help and understanding, and you are not alone.
It is important to first identify the specific reasons why you steal in order to begin to change this behavior.Do you steal for an emotional high? Do you feel initial tension, then a thrill of excitement that builds up prior to the theft and relief after it's done? Is this then followed by feeling guilt, shame and remorse? These are some signs that stealing may be a problem for you.
Do you steal to escape? When stealing, do you feel different, as if you're not yourself or you're not in touch with reality? This is a fairly common state of feeling for individuals who steal. , After you've discovered what drives your stealing behaviors, try free writing about your need to steal.
Don't censor your feelings – everything you think about or feel is important to note.Be sure to name the feelings, such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness, being creeped out, exposed, vulnerable, etc. that accompany the need to steal. , Thinking about the consequences of your behaviors can help to reduce impulsivity.If you have been nearly caught, or have been caught (or caught several times), write all of this down.
Also write down your own subsequent feelings, such as shame and guilt, and the actions you use to try to cope with these feelings or remorse or disgust, such as drinking too much, cutting yourself, destroying the things you've stolen, or other destructive actions.
If you have been caught, how strong were the accompanying feelings? Why do you feel that even being caught isn't enough to overcome the need to steal? Write it all down.
About the Author
Anna James
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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