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"Chemical dependency" defined.
For the purposes of RCW
48.21.160 and
48.21.180 "chemical dependency" means an illness characterized by a physiological or psychological dependency, or both, on a controlled substance regulated under chapter
69.50 RCW and/or alcoholic beverages. It is further characterized by a frequent or intense pattern of pathological use to the extent the user exhibits a loss of self-control over the amount and circumstances of use; develops symptoms of tolerance or physiological and/or psychological withdrawal if use of the controlled substance or alcoholic beverage is reduced or discontinued; and the user's health is substantially impaired or endangered or his or her social or economic function is substantially disrupted.
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—1987 c 458: See notes following RCW
48.21.160.