M 10/18 Wilson cont.; Shapiro 304-310 – The cause of addiction

1. What is Shapiro’s criticism of the standard view that addiction is explained by the pharmacology of drugs, i.e., their physical effect on the brain?

2. According to Shapiro, how do social setting and psychological mindset influence the likelihood of addiction?

3. In his discussion of cigarette smoking, how does Shapiro characterize the relationship between the strength of the pharmacological effects of a drug and the likelihood of addiction? Why does this claim seem paradoxical?