ABSTRACT
Until recently, the study and treatment of drug problems were organised around the concept of addiction: people with drug problems have problems because they are addicted to the drug (Hammersley, 1999). Addicts are compelled by a physiological need to continue taking the drug, experience horrible physical and psychological symptoms when trying to stop, and will continue taking it despite these symptoms because of their addictive need. Their addiction will also change them psychologically for the worse, they will commit crimes to pay for the drug, neglect their social roles and responsibilities, and even harm the people around them. In addition, some drugs are considered inherently much more addictive than others, and substance users can be divided into addicts and non-addicts.
