I became a semi-hoarder after a traumatic event. I'm recovering now - it gets easier for me every day.

My mother is a full-blown hoarder and there is no cure for her. She's already 92 and was traumatized during her childhood.

It depends on the person's personality, I guess. I'm a neatnik at heart and I don't attach much value to "things". My mother attaches value to everything.

IMO it will remain an issue. Can you encourage your friend to get counseling help for ways to respond to hard life events?

Hello :)
There is no way to predict who will or won't become an obsessive hoarder.
Early intervention is the best prevention should this behavior continue after the legal issues are resolved.
"Digging Out" and "Buried In Treasures" are great books to read for how to help with hoarding.
Good luck and best wishes.

My loved one's kid is facing prison. Recently I've noticed that she is filling her house with tons of free junk. Furniture, appliances, toilets. All with the intention of selling, but that's not happening. I've read that traumatic events can cause hoarding, but will it remain an issue AFTER the court issue resolves itself? I need to be empathetic, but it's difficult because there are other children in the home.