ABSTRACT
Treatment is based on the established approach for intervening with addiction, though evidence of its effectiveness is yet to be confirmed. Compulsive stealing shows great similarity to substance addiction, with a pattern of craving to steal that increases when it is resisted, and a sense of withdrawal if it is not occurring. The effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy in such cases is modest, but better outcomes may occur when medications that are used in the treatment drug addiction are part of the programme. Indeed, most mental health difficulties increase the risk of substance misuse, and substance misuse in turn increases the risk of depression and attempting suicide. Dealing with these issues often reduces the need for drug usage without needing treatment that focuses on addiction. Some parents try to conceal their substance misuse from their children, but this is rarely successful, with most children becoming aware of their parents’ substance misuse much earlier than their parents realise.
