2. Addiction

New terminology as defined by the WHO and D.C. Policy Board.

Physical Addiction

Occurs only with regular use of certain drugs - alcohol in some cases. With regular use, increasingly high doses are needed to produce the desired effect. Withdrawal symptoms will occur if the drug is not available.

Psychological Addiction

Is the feeling of security or a support derived from the knowledge that the drug is at hand and the belief that it will enable one to cope. This can occur with regular use of drugs.

Drug Craving

This is the emotional bond that develops between the person and the drugs effects.

Drugs are illiegal because they are dangerous - They are not dangerous because they are illegal.