[Haku]

I know this therapist who does AA counseling. (No, I don't drink, thank goodness.) He had a very interesting insight that I think is worth sharing here.

He said that people who have a drinking problem don't have a problem with drinking. They have a problem with something else, and they're using alcohol as a form of self-medication. Some are morbidly depressed, some have borderline personality disorders, and some are victims of a terrible abuse that they are trying to suppress. Lots of reasons.

However, their one common bond is that they have found solace in their drinks. Some have gone as far as calling it their mistress.

Therefore, simply asking someone to put down the drink isn't going to solve their problem. The therapist has to dig deep and find out why they drink, and how that issue can be put to rest. Once that's done, the need and perhaps even the desire for a drink will fade away on its own.

Granted, I'm not a therapist so I can easily be wrong, but I believe the same can be applied to just about any other kind of addiction or problem; be it gambling, womanizing, and even stealing and shopping.

First, you definitely need to seek professional. Seriously. Second, once you're there, you'll need to explore why you're desperately crying out for help. Is that why you're stealing? Hopefully, once you can put those demons to rest, I believe the self-destructive habit that you're committing right now will also go away. I hope.

Take care.