I shoplift everyday. I am bipolar. I take gabitril & Zoloft & wellbutrin.?

Question

Every time I go in a store I do it even though there is nothing there that i want. I have figured out many techniqes & must be quiet good at it. Yes I am SCARED of getting arrested but I still can't stop doing it.

Answer 1

You need to commit yourself where you cant get into trouble until you get this under control. The court wont care if your bi polar or not because there is help for people like you. You have choices and if you dont make the right one no court will take pity on you.

Answer 2

You don't say how old you are and how you feel about after you shoplift. Do you get a rush in taking something that's not rightfully yours? and knowing that you can get away with it probably adds onto that "rush"? When I was a kid, I shoplifted twice because I wanted something and my mom wouldn't buy it for me saying that she doesn't have the money for it. Later on, I would feel guilty and scared to even go back to the store. As an adult, I don't feel that need to shoplift even if I can't afford something. I've worked in department stores and I know stolen merchandise are the main reason merchandise prices rise because the cost of stolen merchandise is too high for insurance to cover it and also less people are hired to work in that department as there's not enough money in that department. Think about who you're affecting when you do that- you're not only affecting the store, but the employees' paychecks and the cost of the items in the store which affects everyone including you as a consumer. Maybe the shoplifting has become an addiction for you? For me, when I lived in the city, shopping became a serious addiction for me as the stores I loved were conveniently located to where I work and lived. Check out http://www.shopliftersanonymous.com/counseling.htm if you haven't already. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

So do I! I'm a klepto for real. It's not a joke either. I don't even know that I take things sometime. I do it all the time, everyday, every store. It's kind of the equivalent of a drug high. I know it's a huge problem because I have been arrested and to jail for it. It's no joke. I too take an anxiety medication and I see a counselor for bulimia nervosa too. I was told that both are impulsive control issues and its root is in the brain, similar to drug addiction. But anywayz...I understand your problem and to those who look down on you, they don't understand it fully. You can only be looked down on if you don't get help. You have to realize that it's wrong. I have justified it by saying "I'm not hurting anyone, I'm not violent, on drugs, I just steal!" That's bullshi* because it doesn't matter if no one sees you or ever knows...it is still wrong. It may be easy, and believe me too I have figured out every possible way to steal, know every store's details on cameras/tags/etc, but bottomline it's wrong. You wouldn't someone stealing from your parent's store if they had one would you? You will get caught too. Just a matter of time. I feel your fear of not being able to stop. Get help and best of luck toward defeating this problem!!!
God bless.

Answer 4

I don't think bipolar disorder itself would specifically cause shoplifting but I can see where symptoms may manifest in such a way. Talk to your psychiatrist about it and get advice.

Jail is a horrible place to have mental illness. You may be taken off your medications for a few days, you may have to share a room with many other guys with varying personalities, resources for treatment are insufficient, and all this will be under the added stress of criminal charges. The thought of having to put up with such a thing may not be enough to deter you from future shoplifting, but maybe it will be.

Answer 5

Well think of when the first time you ever shoplifted. Where and why (if you didn't know then, what did you take) and maybe focus on those as triggers and go from there. For example, if you went to a grocery store and stole a candy bar. Don't go in that section or have someone else do your grocery shopping for you. Do you understand? I am sorry if you don't it sounds really good in my head. Good luck!!! And don't get caught!!!

Answer 6

You better take a massive dose of self-control or you won't have to worry about "shopping" . Your five-finger discounts will get your freedom taken away . Stay home if you can't get a grip .
You are giving yourself excuses to do dirty deeds . You are not insane for crying out loud . That's no excuse . By the way - did you know that store security can look at a camera in a back room , and zoom it on you so close they can count your freckles ? And of course the camera are hidden . YOU ARE PUSHING YOUR LUCK .

Answer 7

You and I know its not "socially accepted" to be a thief, but its something you're good at, its something you obviously enjoy, and lets face it, you've probably came home with some pretty good loot a number of times. If you get caught, well, then you can plead the insanity defense, but till then, relax, and enjoy the fun of ripping- off innocent retail chains. Just ignore that sign that says, "Shoplifting hurts all of us."

Answer 8

I am not a doctor. I have been on some of the meds you are talking about. I would definitely seek a second opinion. Drugs only work for part of the depression problem. It sounds like you need some help from someone in the behavior modification area.

Answer 9

I think your fear of being arrested is why you do it. That makes it a rush for you. The penalties for petty shopping lifting for one candy bar aren't severe enough to cause enough fear to be arrested. Stop being afraid. You get 30 days in a county lockup which generally isn't bad enough to cause such fear like a state penitentiary would cause--now that's fear. Quit being scared and you won't be able to get that rush anymore of adrenaline and you'll stop. Plus if you are mentally ill they can't even arrest you anyway in certain states. All they can do is put you in a mental hospital, which is generally like candy land by contrast.

Like I said, no fear, no rush, you stop. When it is boring as heck you won't do it.

Answer 10

I did some reading on Bipolar. You need to definitely talk with someone. Try seeing another doctor. I read that certain medications can make it worse.
Please get help!