The opponent-process theory assumes that the nervous systems of mammals are organized to oppose and suppress many types of emotional arousal, thereby seeking to maintain hedonic homeostasis. The scope of this theory rests in its assumption of a common motivational mechanism that operates in all instances in which there is repeated exposure to an affect-arousing stimulus. Similar underlying processes are postulated for all addiction cycles, regardless of whether or not the stimulus has intuitively obvious addicting properties. This paper outlines the application of opponent-process theory to criminal behavior. Guided by the theory, it proposes that at least certain aspects of criminal behavior stem from and are supported by an addiction cycle. The discussion first provides several anecdotal examples of the general type of human motivation the theory can explain. This is followed by a formal presentation of opponent-process theory. The final sections of the paper use the theory to develop a new typology of criminality and explore the major expectations of the proposal for an understanding of several aspects of criminal behavior. 3 figures and 16 references