I would be heart broken if someone thought I must be a thief just because I struggle with addiction. Not all addicts are thiefs, and I think the ones that are are probably that much more desperate and broken and crying out for help much more than most. What addicts need are compasion and understanding. We aren't bad people, we are sick people. Someone with a major disease and medical bills piling up is probably just as likely to steal, but people wouldn't look at them and say "oh watch out for that cancer lady, she's bound to clean us out." Just my opinion.