Shoplifting addiction is a kind of mental illness where a person feels compelled to steal. Most of the time, a person suffering from kleptomania does this because it gives him or her thrills knowing that they got away with it and got something for free. Some feel that they need this kind of excitement in order to get them through the day. Others shoplift because they feel that they are entitled to it because their life has been hard, they seem to not let up from stress, or they could be going through a serious illness or divorce and they want and need a diversion.

Shoplifting Addiction is a behavioral disorder that often results in serious negative consequences to the life of the addict. Most shoplifting addicts do not steal because they cannot live without the merchandise. They do it to get the "rush" of stealing without being caught. Many shoplifting addicts describe the rush of shoplifting as being very similar to the rush of drug abuse. It is estimated that there are more than 25 million shoplifters in the United States, which works out to one in 11 citizens. Most shoplifters do so at department stores, but supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops are also common victims of shoplifting.