Something for Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction and Recovery

As there is little out there on shoplifting addiction, I found "Something for Nothing" to be a very helpful guide to why people shoplift and what can be done to help them. I found the 4 stories in the book, especially the author's own story, enlightening and moving. I appreciated the statistics, the theories, and the exercises as well. I admire Mr. Shulman for his devotion to his own recovery as well as to his efforts to help others, especially by writing this book and starting a support group. I wish there was a group where I am from but it seems there are so few. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand shoplifting addiction and how to get help.

After seeing Mr. Shulman and the topic of shoplifting addiction featured on Prime Time Live and The Early Show recently, [...]. It was a godsend! I'd been looking all over for help and finally I have hope. I appreciated Mr. Shulman's honesty in telling his story of recovery from this addiction. The other stories in the book were helpful as well. This book has something for everyone--theories, statistics, exercises, resources, and even how to apply the 12 Steps to recovery from shoplifting addiction. I applaud Mr. Shulman for his bravery and for being a pioneer in this field with little understanding and little compassion. I can see in the most recent reviews what I and others are up against. I highly doubt that these reviewers have even read his book as it does, indeed, include mention of the 12 Steps and certainly does not make excuses for anyone who steals. I doubt noteworthy programs like Prime Time Live and The Early Show would have featured theft addiction as legitimate topics if they didn't believe Mr. Shulman was onto something. I am still reading this book and intend to read it over and over again. I encourage anyone truly interested in this problem to read it and judge for yourself. Thanks, Mr. Shulman. For the first time, I feel hope that there is someone who understands me.

As a compulsive shoplifter I was thankful to find this newly written book by Mr. Shulman when I searched for information on shoplifting addiction. I know all too well the shame, embarassment, and guilt associated with this addictive behavior. Mr. Shulman has taken a huge step by coming forward and identifying himself to the world as one who suffers. His heartfelt expressions, along with those of others who suffer, struck a chord in me. Their stories are my story. I am them. This addiction, complex, as any addiction is, has not been thoroughly researched by many. I have been open and honest with family, therapists, lawyers, judges, probation officers, and prosecutors regarding my impulsive behavior and have been told time and time again that "it doesn't make sense".....That I am making excuses for behavior that is irrational, illegal, self-destructive, and demoralizing. If i were a drug addict that stole to support a drug addiction, I would be looked at in a different light by the general public, the courts, and employers. They might truly believe I have an addiction (drugs) which causes me to steal. But would they believe shoplifting is an addiction in and of itself? Probably not - most that I have come clean with do not believe and are puzzled by the behavior. I am here to tell you it is real - it is destructive as any other addiction. Many have asked me - Why would an upstanding citizen, middle aged, with three adult children and grandchildren, who teaches as a profession, and who appears to "have it together", "choose" to steal. This, for me, came to the point where it wasn't a choice. It took on a life of its own and had many complex underlying factors - many I have worked through; many I continue to work through daily and will for the rest of my life in order to arrest my behavior - one day at a time. Mr. Shulman doesn't go in depth into 12-Step Programs even though he does call his group "Anonymous". But, he is doing the best he can. He is helping others to overcome this addiction by admitting his struggles, giving support, providing an outlet for sharing openly with others who also suffer in a non-judgemental and anonymous setting. He is providing information and avenues to recovery to many people, like myself who have suffered for years and have been unable to find anyone who understands. He is informing therapists, lawyers, judges, and the general population that this is in fact a "real disease". Can it be arrested? Yes, with proper treatment, perseverance, and continued counseling. Can it be cured? As with any addiction, there is no cure. It will always be waiting for that ideal moment to "strike", when our own defenses are down, just like with any other addiction. Thank you for your honest approach to a subject that most people , myself included, would not be so quick to acknowledge they struggle with in a public manner. Keep up the good work. You are helping more people than you know.

As a repetitive shoplifter, I completely identified with Terrence Shulman's book, "Something for Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction and Recovery," and can't give this man enough credit not only for writing it but for coming out in the open about this pernicious problem and encouraging others to do the same.Unlike other addictions, there are few support groups for shoplifters. We live in secret and learn to dispise ourselves and just hope we never get caught. We also wish for someone to help us and understand us, but are often too ashamed to speak up.Shulman is straightforward, outlining the basic reasons "good" people steal, and profiling various shoplifters. What makes the problem so perplexing not only for sufferers but for law enforcement and retailers, and as Shulman points out clearly, is that the average shoplifter is Joe Citizen, who does not fit any criminal mold.Shulman did his homework and presents it in a clear, non-judgmental context. He notes that in every other aspect of their lives, 85% of shoplifters are honest people. They would never steal from someone's home, are quick to pay back their personal and other debts, and try to instill solid values in their children. When they are caught, they are truly remorseful. They know they did wrong and are ashamed of it, just as a problem gambler must feel after he or she has wagered away the family savings, asking "What came over me? Why did I do it?"Shulman notes that shoplifters just tuck away this secret, fooling themselves into thinking they can compartmentalize it into their otherwise upright lives. They suffer, though, as Shulman points out through his own experience and the testimonials of others. I was able to identify witht he various people in his book and for the first time in my life came clean and sought professional help. I realized I was not alone.Notably, Shulman does not resort to the "abuse excuse" or anything else to condone this behaviour and underscores its criminality and that when one breaks the law, one must be punished.He's merely giving the other side of the story, offering help and underscoring the need for better public understanding; not to excuse shoplifters but to help them stop and to prevent future criminal activity.Doesn't everyone benefit that way? I think so.

The author's individual journey and the events in the lives of those he has helped, really gives comfort to those who are afflicted with the shoplifting addiction. Mr. Shulman's choice to put his name out there is a brave one. Being anonymous is a choice, not a requirement in a recovery program. A choice he lets his contributors make, even though he does not make it himself. Far from being a clinical look at a major addiction, this is a soulful book, which really reaches out to those in need. If any flaws are found in the work, it is because Shulman's writing comes from his emotional center and not the cold intellectual halls of the academia. There are so few, if any, such personal stories out there on this subject. Mr. Shulman's book should really touch those who share his addiction, by letting them know that they are not alone. He also includes many helpful resources, not the least of which is the ability to contact him directly.