While most non-professional shoplifters feel guilty, ashamed
and fearful of getting caught, the excitement they experience
from shoplifting entices them back, again and again. The excitement
of "getting away with it" produces a chemical reaction
which is described as an incredible "rush" or "high".
Many shoplifters say that this is the "true reward"
of shoplifting rather than the item itself.
A shoplifter's habit or addiction can develop quickly when
a person discovers that the "high" they experience
helps to temporarily relieve such feelings as depression,
frustration, deprivation, anger or boredom. At these times,
people feel the desire to give themselves a reward, a gift
or lift which they feel they need or deserve.
The illustration below shows how, from the moment a shoplifter
targets an item, their tension level rises as they walk across
an emotional tightrope to reach the "high".
Shoplifters who seek temporary relief from unhappiness in
their lives can learn how to get the "high" they
need without shoplifting. Through "offense-specific"
educational programs, shoplifters learn how to substitute
"natural highs" such as shopping, eating out, reading
a good book, playing ball, getting their hair done or calling
a friend. Once shoplifters understand the pressures which
triggered their shoplifting incident and how to get relief,
the chances of repeating the offense typically drops from
25% to 2%.
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