From the Telegraph UK 3 April 2009
A drug commonly used to treat alcohol and drug addiction may help curb the urge to steal among prolific shoplifters, scientists have said.
They found the drug naltrexone helped take away the "thrill" that drives some kleptomaniacs to steal.
"It gets rid of that rush and desire," said Dr Jon Grant, of the University of Minnesota in America, who led the study.
Writing in the Journal of Biological Psychiatry, Dr Grant and colleagues said they tested 25 patients who spent an average of at least one hour a week stealing.
Dr Grant said that these are people who steal "even though they can easily afford not to", and that they are troubled by their behaviour.
Over eight weeks some of the volunteers 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.
The drug works by blocking nerve interactions in the brain that create feelings of pleasure.
Naltrexone is sold under the brand names Revia and Depade and is approved for use against alcohol and opiate abuse.
Now how long will it take before they find the drug that turns off the ability to disagree or dissent?
