Claire is a stay-at-home mother of four. She isn't strapped for cash or in need of material things. Her husband, Chris, is an engineer who provides for the middle class family.
Yet, Claire has been arrested four times in the past few years for shoplifting. She says she doesn't need anything, but she gets a rush out of stealing, the way a drug addict might get a rush out of his next fix. On one occasion, she stole a jacket worth $900.
“I absolutely can see what I’m doing. I have insight into it. I can see that it’s wrong,” she told Dr. Phil.
However, because of her numerous arrests, Claire is now a felon. Although she has been fortunate to only spend a few nights in jail, she could go to prison if she is arrested again.
To make matters worse, her husband Chris is sick of paying for expensive lawyers and bonds that have cost him $20,000.
“I feel like I’m above the law, and above – like, I don’t have to pay for that, I can get things that I want," she said.
Chris hasn't given up on his wife, but he does feel powerless to help her. He and Claire were on Dr. Phil's show to get the help she needs.
"I love her. She’s the mother of my kids. I’m there to support her, for better or worse," Chris said.
But there is good news. Dr. Phil forced Claire to realize something important: in her youth, she was a drug addict. Although she was able to overcome that addiction, it physiologically changed her brain. Claire replaced her need for drugs with a need to steal. Dr. Phil gave her hope: simply put, Claire has to find a new, constructive way to cope with her issues and addiction.
Dr. Phil offered the couple treatment, which they were willing to accept for the sake of Claire's future, her children, and her marriage.
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