World | UK

Shoplifters can be cured with drug addiction pill

A drug commonly used to treat drug addiction may help curb the urge to steal among shoplifters, scientists have said.

  • The Telegraph Group Limited
  • Published: 22:46 April 4, 2009
  • Gulf News

London: A drug commonly used to treat drug addiction may help curb the urge to steal among shoplifters, scientists have said.

They found the drug naltrexone helped take away the "thrill" that drives some kleptomaniacs to steal.

"It gets rid of the rush," said Dr Jon Grant, of the University of Minnesota in America, who led the study.

Dr Grant tested 25 patients, some of which took naltrexone, while the others took a placebo or dummy drug.

Those who took naltrexone reported significantly less stealing behaviour compared to those given placebo.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

UK

  1. Thatcher 'stayed up' for entire Falklands War

  2. Twelve UK state hospital trusts shown to be failing on safety

  3. MPs out to scuttle Commons disclosure

  4. Secret letter exposes how Blair lied

  5. Unlikely hero is first woman to get medal

  6. Campaign against giving babies solid food blasted

  7. Delivery of Christmas cards may be affected

  8. Get to know your Sunday roast

All articles in United Kingdom

More from World

Gulf News
Popular in World

More from world

News Editor's choice