Addictions can take upon many forms. Theft is another compulsive behavior that can take on the characteristics of addiction. New Directions offers a comprehensive anti-theft program for prevention and intervention. The legal definition of theft by is as follows: 1. You took possession of property owned by someone else; Online virtual classes held now due to pandemic.
2. You took the property without the owner's permission;
3. When you took the property, you intended either

a. to deprive the owner of it permanently, or

b. to deprive the owner of it for a period of time long enough that the owner would miss a major portion of the value or enjoyment of property; AND

4. You moved the property…even a small distance…and kept it for a period of time…even a brief one.

Many times the act of theft has no basis in a financial need, but is based upon other psychological needs that can be addressed in our anti-theft program. Theft can become a serious addiction with legal, personal, and relationships costs.

Psychological Studies on Shoplifting and Kleptomania



Shoplifting is clearly a psychological issue for many people. Shoplifting for most individuals is rarely about greed or poverty. It’s about people struggling with their own personal conflicts and needs.

The single largest psychological factor found in approximately 1/3 of shoplifters studied is “depression”. This helps to explain why so many individuals steal from stores on their birthday and/or around holiday times.

The more intense form of shoplifting is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as an “Impulse Disorder” known as Kleptomania. For this classification, the patient must meet the following five criteria to justify this diagnosis.

1. Recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use or their monetary value.
2. Increasing sense of tension immediately before committing the theft.
3. Pleasure or relief at the time of committing the theft.
4. Stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance and is not in response to a delusion or hallucination.
5. The stealing is not better accounted for by Conduct Disorder, a Manic Episode, or Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Services at New Directions Frequently asked questions and answers:

1) What types of services do you offer? What issues do you specify treatment for?

a.We offer Outpatient substance abuse treatment program Juvenile and adult.
b. Marriage, family counseling by licensed marriage, family therapist and registered interns.
c. Court approved domestic violence and anger management programs.
d. Parenting classes and counseling
Substance abuse evaluations for DUI's and employees violating DOT testing or company policies.
e. Drug testing services for employers, court required, and personal needs.
f. Mental health evaluations.
f. Anti-theft probation referred counseling

2) What therapy modalities do you use in your practices?

We utilize evidence based approaches that incorporate Cognitive behavioral, Motivational interviewing, and systems theories.

3) When should one seek treatment?

Someone should seek treatment when they begin to feel their life is becoming unmanageable in someways because of their behaviors and thoughts. Other symptoms may include, loss of appetite, change in sleeping patterns, drug and alcohol abuse, excessive anger, anxiety, depression, and loss of interest general things.

4) Why should someone choose to come to New Directions?

We provide a comprehensive approach that takes an individuals whole life experiences in consideration so we can address the areas that change can help. Our counselors are caring and concerned.

5) What relationship exists between mental health and substance abuse? What services do you provide for someone suffering with either and/or both?

Mental health and substance abuse coexist. There are many mental health conditions without substance abuse. When a persons primary diagnosis is substance abuse disorder, this will affect mental health and can create secondary mental health symptoms.