20 QUESTIONS
Assessment for Compulsive Shoplifting
| 1. | Have you ever lost time from work or school due to shoplifting? | Y/N |
| 2. | Has shoplifting ever created problems in your relationships? | Y/N |
| 3. | Has shoplifting ever affected your reputation or people’s opinion of you? | Y/N |
| 4. | Have you ever felt guilt, shame, or remorse after shoplifting? | Y/N |
| 5. | Did you ever shoplift to get money to pay debts or to solve money issues? | Y/N |
| 6. | Did shoplifting ever cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency? | Y/N |
| 7. | Did you ever experience a “high” or “rush” of excitement when you shoplifted? | Y/N |
| 8. | Have you ever shoplifted to escape worries or troubles? | Y/N |
| 9. | Has shoplifting caused you to have difficulty eating or sleeping? | Y/N |
| 10. | Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create an urge to shoplift? | Y/N |
| 11. | Have you noticed you began shoplifting more frequently over time? | Y/N |
| 12. | Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your shoplifting? | Y/N |
| 13. | Upon stopping shoplifting, did you continue to be tempted/preoccupied by it? | Y/N |
| 14. | Have you kept your shoplifting a secret from most of those you are close to? | Y/N |
| 15. | Have you told yourself “this is my last time” and still shoplifted again? | Y/N |
| 16. | Have you continued to shoplift despite having been confronted or arrested? | Y/N |
| 17. | Do you often feel angry or feel a need for control? | Y/N |
| 18. | Do you have persistent feelings of life being unfair? | Y/N |
| 19. | Do you have persistent feelings of entitlement to get “something for nothing? | Y/N |
| 20. | Do you have trouble speaking up for yourself, asking for help, or saying “no"? | Y/N |
Most compulsive shoplifters will answer yes to at least seven (7)
of these questions, C.A.S.A. & professional counseling is
recommend for compulsive shoplifters.
Click here to download the Word version of this test
Formulated by
Terrence Daryl Shulman, JD, LMSW, ACSW, CAAC, CPC
Founder/Director, The Shulman Center for Theft Addictions & Disorders
Founder, C.A.S.A. (Cleptomaniacs And Shoplifters Anonymous)
Author of "Something for Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction & Recovery" (2003)
(adapted from the Gambler's Anonymous 20 Questions)