I'm not sure if I'm in the right section to ask about shoplifting, but here I go. I used to shoplift regularly, and I have gotten in a lot of trouble doing it. I have been to jail for 30 days , and am now on diversion for 2 years. Im finally done with shoplifting and will never do it again, but since I just recently quit shoplifting, I know that I am going to have a lot of urges to do it again, because a lot of the time it was a everyday thing, and I get a huge rush from it. So I am asking if anybody here is in or at sometime has been in this situation that I'm going through, and if someone can give me some advice on what they did to help them overcome the urges and habit. So if anyone out there has some advice for me, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you>

You just might want to look up Gamblers Anonymous in your area. If you can't find them, call AA instead and see if they know of anyone in the area along your lines. You are right to view shoplifting as an addiction and it's a whole lot easier to give it up with the support of those who understand. At the very least it may be necessary to create something that takes its place in your life, something constructive that can be done daily. Nature abhors a vacuum and quitting, while a very very good thing, makes something of a vacuum that will wear on you.

I know how addictions are firsthand, although mine was alcoholism, however my dad and sister shoplifted. If you find yourself reaching for straws, barely hanging on by your toenails, think about starting your own group, if necessary in order to gain that kind of support. Contact these folks and see what they have to say about that: Welcome to CASA - Cleptomaniacs And Shoplifters Anonymous - Support for Kleptomania and Shoplifting (http://www.shopliftersanonymous.com)

I hope this helps and keep the faith, hazel eyed.

Here is a website that may help you until someone else responds to your posting:

Welcome to CASA - Cleptomaniacs And Shoplifters Anonymous - Support for Kleptomania and Shoplifting (http://www.shopliftersanonymous.com/)

They have an online support community.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Good luck!

OOPS! V.S. we meet again! :-) I guess we were answering at the same time and were on the same wave length.

Thank you very much! It would be cool if we can keep in touch on here

Any time hazel eyed! We are glad you are trying to take control of your life. Any questions or problems, just post. Valinors and I will find you! :)

Thank u I really appreciate it.