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