Report on Narcotic Addiction     3

"Chronic narcotics addiction is characterized by `an overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means ' WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, TECHNICAL REPORT No 21, p 6 (1950) The addict's physical dependence is `the development of an altered physiological state which is brought about by the repeated administration of the drug and which necessitates continued administration of the drug to prevent the appearance of the characteristic illness which is termed an abstinence syndrome * * * [Physical dependence] forces the addict to seek his drugs by any and all means The first concern of many addicts becomes obtaining and maintaining an adequate supply of drugs ' Counsel of Mental Health, American Medical Association