Introduction

"In the last few years there have been remarkable changes in the scientific study of addiction. There are support groups for the addiction to food, gambling, emotional spending, and compulsive sex. Addiction is no longer linked to the chemical structure of an opiate. I now understand the power of psychological addiction. There is no hierarchy when it comes to addiction. Although there may be differences in the physical intensity of withdrawal symptoms, there is no difference in terms of psychological dependence to cannabis or any other drug or behaviour. In fact the emotional bond may be stronger with dope because smoking a joint is for many people their first mood-altering chemical experience..."