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| | Chemical Dependency |
 | | The term "Chemical Dependency" is often used in conjunction with and at times interchangeably with the terms: chemically dependent, chemical dependence, alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse, substance dependence, drug habit, and drug addiction. |
 | | Chemical dependency is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking and/or drug use (prescribed or illegal), preoccupation with the mood-altering chemical, use of the addictive substance despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking--most notably denial. |
 | | If a chemically dependent individual is "in denial" about their alcoholism and addictions they cannot become engaged in a recovery process. |
| draonline.org /chemical_dependency.html (1001 words) |
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