Compulsive Addictions

When it comes to compulsive shoplifting, Alice is not alone. One out of every 11 Americans is shoplifting regularly and 90% of Americans have shoplifted at least once in their lives.

Terry Shulman, author of the self-help book  Something for Nothing, is a recovering shoplifter who stole more than a thousand times before confronting his addiction. Today, Terry is a therapist who specializes in the treatment of this compulsion.

Terry explained why he considers shoplifting a disease that can be cured: "The nature of the addictive process, whether with drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, eating or shopping, is that you can't stop on command. I consider myself to be forever recovering from my addiction—which gives me the opportunity to continue to learn about myself and grow and help others."

For more information about Terry's support group CASA (Cleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous), go to www.shopliftersanonymous.com.