[truth_seeker]

"I wonder about the body chemistry argument."

Put some research and study into the issue, and you'll learn there IS a proven physiological component to addiction.

Researchers don't claim it explains any and all addiction; just that it is valid, along with genetics, and environmental aspects.

Finally, people with years of recovery (drug and alcohol free) will relate that they simply drank/used themselves into serious addiction.

The substances are addictive, after all. And the research shows that usage triggers physiological changes in the bodies of some users.

[secretagent]

Put some research and study into the issue, and you'll learn there IS a proven physiological component to addiction.

No doubt. But I wonder how much of addiction's power comes from "hardwired" biology and how much from psychology.

People can talk themselves into the impossibility of anything - can't find a job, can't get out of the house, can't do the dishes - no end to the can't do's.

Current models of addiction might reinforce addicts in their victim role - the "voodoo effect" I proposed.

Perhaps researchers have factored the voodoo effect into their studies - please cite them.