Individuals who steal primarily to sustain their substance dependence are referred to as what?

Individuals who steal primarily to sustain their substance dependence are referred to as substance abusers. This term encompasses those whose behaviors related to theft are motivated by a compulsive need to obtain money for drugs or alcohol, highlighting the link between substance addiction and criminal activities. This association is supported by research indicating that individuals struggling with substance abuse may resort to theft as a means to support their addiction, thus illustrating a clear behavioral pattern where stealing is a coping mechanism for their dependency.

While other terms may describe different aspects of theft or criminal behavior, they do not specifically capture the relationship between substance dependence and the act of stealing. For instance, amateur shoplifters may steal opportunistically but are not necessarily driven by the need to feed a habit. Similarly, kleptomaniacs exhibit compulsive behaviors driven by psychological urges rather than the direct need for substances. Impoverished individuals may steal out of economic necessity, but not necessarily to sustain substance abuse. Therefore, substance abusers is the most accurate term in this context.