Comments on: Understand Why Stealing Things is Apart of Alcoholism

By: Michelle Schoemer

Michelle Schoemer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:25:43 +0000

…my brother who has suffered from alcoholism since his early twenties – he is 45 now; I find has stolen gold jewelry from me. They were 3 sentimental pieces. My class ring, a gold chain with a vintage gold cross with garnets that matched the style of a garnet ring that my grandmother gave me and a Mason ring from my daughters great grandfather, on her fathers side. It was a sad day when I made the realization that it was him who took the jewelry and the relization that it was more than one piece! It hit me all at once and I remember exactly when it happened. He was visiting from WI – he was over at my apartment and he went to the bathroom and he was gone for a while and I went to go see what he was doing and I found him in my bedroom. I thought nothing of it. But now I know. He has stolen from my parents too. ~~~ He also goes into peoples homes when he is drunk. I thougt that these were drunken social visits, but I now relize that he is probably looking for jewelry to steal. I fear that he will walk into a home of a fearful pistol owner. ~~~ Its hard to have a love one use you as a means to an end or a tool to buy booze or god knows what ever addiction he is feeding. ~~~ Tough love is hard, but now I know that I would never have him in my home. It’s a stiff cup of coffee to drink, knowing that your loved one/addict would sell you for a fifth of cheap vodka; so knowing this, its important to protect and take care of yourself.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:03:32 +0000

I was go glad to find this article in my search for alcoholics and stealing. I now understand that it can go hand in hand. My daughter is an alcoholic who we kicked out of the house at 4 a.m. one morning a few months ago. We took over custody of her 5 year old son. She has stolen jewelry, money, etc from us, her parents as well as her sisters and brother. She was staying with a friend and his parents until this weekend. They called to tell me my daughter had stolen 2 rings and countless bottles of wine (which they found empty and hidden around their house). She pawned one ring along with other jewelry and the other was found in my daughter’s purse after they did a search. It is so sad and heartbreaking to think she could do this to people who had taken her in when she needed a place. I confronted her about it and she just lied and seemed to have no remorse what so ever. She hates us. Tell me I am no longer her mother even after all I have done for her and her son. I have felt so guilty because she tells me it’s all my fault. That I made her feel like she was hated and she only drank because of me and the pressure I put her under to take care of her child. So very hard to understand it all.
Thanks for listening – all the best to you.

By: Linette

Linette — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:47:34 +0000

what about the alcoholic who forges checks from her employers when she is sober and always has money to buy her liquor from her boyfriend who is always helping her out and gives her money. Should we confront her on it and make her accountable for her actions or just keep letting her get away with it? We as her friends feel guilty for being upset and she cries and tell us she is sorry but we are getting tired of her lies when she is sober and not drinking at least we think she is sober. I know she lies when either way and steals and makes us feel guilty for being upset. We have cut our ties with her after years she is 59 and never follow through with help that we have all agreed to support her on and even go with her to. How do we deal with our feelings of hurt and mistrust and guilt?

By: admin

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:03:48 +0000

Thanks for posting. Knowing what it’s like being addicted and dealing with someone who’s addicted are two totally different things that cause frustration in different ways.

In both instances, I had to start with the very first step, realizing I am powerless over alcohol and my life has become unmanageable.

It’s wise to set boundaries and to protect yourself in as many ways as possible. Change locks on the doors, cancel credit card accounts, close bank accounts and freeze everything that has both of your names on it.

When you are dealing with someone “suffering” from the disease try to remember this.

The three C’s
1) I did not cause the alcoholism
2) I cannot cure the alcoholic
3) I cannot control the alcoholic

By: Recovering

Recovering — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:14:28 +0000

Well, I am a recovering alcoholic myself. I am so frustrated with my husband’s recently (past 8 months – a year) developed habit of stealing when he can’t get money any other way.

Because what we have is considered “marital property” (I already checked with the local police dept.) I can’t call it stealing. Now the check from a non-joint account with him forging my signature is fair game… all property, including my recently pawned wedding and engagement rings, are not considered theft.

I am particularly frustrated that when I drank (for 20+ years) I never stole property or money from anyone to get $ to drink or pay any other debt. Even though I understand the addiction and the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness, I am having a tough time wrapping my head around the thieving behavior.

By: MELISSA

MELISSA — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:53:08 +0000

WOW this sure makes since!!!!!!! My babies daddy is a hard core alcoholic, HE STOLE my Rent money order from me this December 9th, We have him on video surveillance and A photo copy of the money order is on the way. he took from “our home” my childrens money for the rent.
I would have NEVER given it to him. No matter what excuses he comes up with. End up taking a chance Putting me and the kids out in the cold.
Now he has to deal with where HE is living at, And knowing I know and understand what is going on. Im sure he is trying to come up with MORE lies then Ever before to cover it all up. IDK if i am pressing charges. He wont be allowed back in My life with Our son again. he is 51 years old, And Will Never change at this point. I guess I have just turned him over to his own sickness that he has with this disease of being an alcoholic.
Well Merry Christmas,
Melissa & Kids