Note to Mr R L 0 Ely
Co=ents on Martin Jarvis' letter would largely
repeat previous
co=ents on the subject of addiction:
1. :t is a matter of opinion whether or not the
so-called
'withdrawal syndrome' is clear; it is by no means
as clear
as withdrawal syndromes from drugs such as heroin
and not
all smokers find that symptoms occur.
2. Nicotine does of course "affect the brain's
activity" but
-:his is a characteristic of a psychoactive drug,
not an
addictive one.
3. Difficulty in giving up occurs with all habits,
and
,uantification is difficult. Jarvis seems to
forget all of
:.he smokers who have given up successfully
without
Professional help.
4. ':-e believes addicts have control over their
addictive
.ehaviour. This is totally contrary to current
thinking.
5. The letter highlights the usual problems with
addiction i.e.
everyone having their own definition and beliefs
about which
aspects are important.
<
DR S BOYSE
4 th May 1989
SB/3_124
C,4
C)
,::D
U-1
CA
L-n
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 29
October 1999