True, but in a chemical dependency, the body undergoes unpleasant changes when the chemical is not available. In the sort of "addiction" that comes with any pleasurable activity, there is no physical change in the body, just an urge to continue the pleasurable activity/substance. In extreme cases, a chemical dependency that can't be satisfied can lead to death. That's why such things as cocaine or oxycontin are so difficult to kick, there is a physical sickness that is involved. It may not be possible to quit "cold turkey", but necessary to step down gradually.
That was not your argument, you stated that pot only creates a psychological addiction not a physical one, and I have shown you that even a psychological addiction IS a physical addiction.
Agreed with all the above, but in the debate I was having with SAM he asserted that pot addiction was psychological and not physical .. where as I know that a psychological addiction is also a physical addiction it cannot be anything else. .The difference is our perception of the physical addiction.
Generally, when people talk of a physical addiction, they mean a chemical addiction. I think we're more or less on the same page, but getting tripped up by semantics. the bottom line is that pot is not chemically addictive for most people. The addiction may be physical, in the sense that they like the physical effects, but it is not in the same category as addiction to cocaine, for example. or to nicotine, for another. So, the question becomes, why should pot be illegal and tobacco legal? or why should any of it be illegal? Should the governmeent decide what is and is not OK, or should the individual decide that for himself?
Yes it is. Sam ask yourself the following questions What creates an addiction? What is it that makes you want to continue getting your "fix" (be it drugs or sex or gambling) If you have the slightest idea about the subject you will answer as follows; An addiction is created via the electrical & chemical reactions in your brain creating memories of the physical feelings that the addiction does to your body. Your requirement for the "fix" is based around your memory of the initial "fix" and how it made you react .. memories are physical things, they are the result of a chemical & electrical reaction within you brain. Chemical fixes change the chemical balance within the brain, it is a physical reaction Read this - http://www.edeycaldwell.com/thoughts-are-physical-things/ it's not a really in depth scientific analysis, but it is a good place to start. Everything single thing we do, say, feel, thing and desire is created by physical reactions in our brains
I agree in general terms that people do think that way, and with the rest of your comment. As to the questions, personally I feel that as long as what the person is doing is not harming others then they should be free to indulge if they wish . .however .. if the indulgence starts to infringe upon others ie theft in order to fuel the habit, then they should be prosecuted for the actions (but not the drug use). I just wish Sam would accept that everything we feel, desire, think etc is a physical thing .. the difference is the severity of that physical reaction.
