Pubdate: Mon, 22 May 2000 Source: Bradenton Herald (FL) Contact: http://www.bhip.com/ Author: David Hollis ALCOHOL IS A DRUG EDITOR: Chemical dependency: If alcohol or any other psychotropic drug is used as a primary coping mechanism, then the person is diagnosed as chemically dependant. The diagnosis of chemical dependency requires the evidence of dysfunction within an individual's life (family, work, social life, physical well being). The process of chemical dependency is present in alcoholics. Drinking occurs because the process of chemical dependency requires the presence of alcohol in the central nervous system. If alcoholic drinkers do not receive help or are not engaged in the recovery process, death is the inevitable result. A vast number of people go through the court systems because their behavior is antisocial as a result of chemical use. Unless our legal system recognizes chemical dependency and either provides treatment or refers to treatment, legal problems related to chemical dependency will continue to increase. David Hollis, Palmetto - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea