Official Welcome to The Shulman Center Blog
Welcome to The Shulman Center Blog. We started a previous blog in September 2005 but are publicizing this blog address on our websites soon and expect a more active forum.
The Shulman Center Blog is dedicated to the discussion of three main topics: compulsive shoplifting, compulsive employee theft, and compulsive shopping/spending.
This blog is primarily intended to assist in assessing and offering treatment alternatives for these growing problems; however, it is also an open forum for respectful debate and discussion of theory and of current or past events relevant to these topics. Personal experiences with this issues--either first or secondhand--are especially welcome here.
According to the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, 1 out of 11 (25 Million) Americans shoplift and 90% of Americans have shoplifted at least once. The FBI calls employee theft "the fastest growing crime in America" and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that 75% of employees steal from the workplace and most do so repeatedly. Finally, a recent study out of Stanford University states that "compulsive shopping" disorder affects nearly 6% (17%) of Americans (men and women about equally).
Despite these pervasive problems, we have had little room for thoughtful discussion and insight that might help individuals, families, communities, and society at large. The Shulman Center Blog is an attempt to expand on this.
Welcome!
I am really fascinated to find out how common a problem this is and that there is such little help in this issue area.. I have legal guardianship of my 20 y/o daughter that has a laundry list of diagnosis's within the Mental Illness and Developmentally Disabled areas. We have resently become aware of her and a friend shoplifting where ever they go. Her so called friend is older and does not have the laundry list of illness's but says she has been diagnosed with "Bipolar with a shopping Disorder". I think it is more like "theft disorder", but as I am told "who am I to label". My daughter has always had a boundary problem and taken money from our home but never really went any further than that. She loves to give people things. I have also noticed her thefts have become broader and more frequent recently. I need help in order to help my daughter. I know She knows it is wrong but I don't think she comprehends the full extent of it being wrong. I am in a whirlwind of confusion as to how to help her (besides staying away from this person). Can you help me and show me the right direction. She is not capable of doing any part of this on her. HELP
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Thanks for your comment! Please contact me at terrenceshulman@theshulmancenter.com if I can be of further help.
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My son stole a car at age 17, a felony in our state. Now he has broken his probation twice by attempted theft, so may be headed for prison. I wish I'd found this website sooner, but my son also doesn't seem to be open to any counseling or really think that he has a problem, perhaps because so many people steal. I carefully taught my son to pay for stuff he was buying and not to spend money he didn't have, but later he was taught by peers that it is cool to steal and do other addictive behaviors. His girlfriend has to have a bank account he can't get to for keeping their money, and she gives him cash when he needs it. But she also spends money on unnecessary stuff and they bought leather couches on credit. It doesn't help that businesses offer credit to anyone and cell phone companies give phones to anyone and then these young people run up huge cell phone bills, etc. they could never pay for. Thanks for listening.
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I need help. I have a severe shopping addiction and want help. I have been attending da (debtors anoymous) meetings for many years with no luck. I am 58 years old and want to stop this awful craving I have for shopping. Your response would be appreciated. judi
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I am a functioning adult who just embarked on a very successful career. I started shoplifting soon after I began working. I recently got caught (and I knew I would be, eventually) and the police were involved. I was fined, but not charged (thank goodness). I will never shoplift again--this scared me straight. I am ashamed and embarrassed and want to close the chapter in this short shoplifting blitz that I have been living through for the past 6 months. I think the reason is that I am quite cheap (I like to save my $$) and felt the pressure of wanting to buy a house and feeling guilty for spending money. I also attribute my flaw to deep rooted stress. I realize my mistake and know I will be strong to no longer commit this crime. My real concern now (since I am slightly paranoid--yes, I am a "worry wart") is that the store that took my picture (and I am banned from this chain) -- will they send it out to OTHER stores in the mall and BACKTRACK and lay more charges? Have a file against me?? I ask because I stole many small items from this mall throughout the past months. I don't want to be charged/jail/etc. I have a bright future and I really do not want to screw that up. I am sorry for my crime, and I just want it all to go away. Should I be paranoid? please help, thank you.
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Hello, my name is Donna. I am a compulsvive shoplifter and I need help.I hope I can find some support here.
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I can relate to so much that everyone is saying, and especially Mr. Shulman. I am a compulsive shoplifter too. I have been caught 3 times. Today, the police called me and said that a store has surveillance of me in there 3 different times shoplifting items. They are forwarding this to the county attorney and I will receive a court notice in the mail. I am not a bad person, but I am really SICK! I mean... sick in the head for doing this. I am going to start seeing a counselor in 3 weeks (that is the earliest that I could get in). I am so desperate. I purchased Mr. Shulman's books (something for free, hand that bites". Has anybody else went through this before? I am still on probation (1 violation - and now will be 2nd). No felony's - but will have 3 GM's. I have been shoplifting for about 2 years. I can go in stores without shoplifting, but it is very hard. The urge is so strong, and the high is so great afterwards... such a sense of relief when you walk out the doors and nobody stopped you at the door, or that the beepers didn't go off. It is obvious that I am not a "pro" at shoplifting and that is pretty obvious. Please help me, and don't slam me... I need help.
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Thanks Cindy. I encourage you to contact us directly at terrenceshulman@theshulmancenter.com or 248-358-8508 to discuss options for help. The Shulman Center
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Hi. I just read your post. I completely understand and feel we are a lot alike. I was arrested 8 years ago and am soon to be again. They caught me but I fled. They got my license plate. I WANT to stop. It makes me feel so worthless as a person. My self-esteem has suffered and I feel guilty all the time. No one else really knows. Please email mail me. Maybe we can help each other. Lisa
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