Vermont § 4802 - Definitions As used in this chapter: (1) “Alcoholic” means a person with the condition of alcoholism. (2) “Alcoholism” means addiction to the drug alcohol

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 4802 — Definitions As used in this chapter: (1) “Alcoholic” means a person with the condition of alcoholism. (2) “Alcoholism” means addiction to the drug alcohol, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4802. Definitions As used in this chapter: (1) “Alcoholic” means a person with the condition of alcoholism. (2) “Alcoholism” means addiction to the drug alcohol

  • . It is characterized by: (A) chronic absence of control by the drug user over the frequency or the volume of his
    or her alcohol intake; and (B) inability of the drug user to moderate consistently his or her drinking practices
    in spite of the onset of a variety of consequences deleterious to his or her health. (3) “Approved substance abuse treatment program” means a treatment program which is approved
    by the Secretary as qualified to provide treatment for substance abuse. (4) “Client” means a person who is provided treatment services by an approved substance
    abuse treatment program, substance abuse crisis team, or designated substance abuse
    counselor. (5) “Designated substance abuse counselor” means a person approved by the Secretary to
    evaluate and treat substance abusers, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (6) “Detoxification” means the planned withdrawal of an individual from a state of acute
    or chronic intoxication under qualified supervision and with or without the use of
    medication. Detoxification is monitoring and management of the physical and psychological
    effects of withdrawal, for the purpose of assuring safe and rapid return of the individual
    to normal bodily and mental functioning. (7) “Incapacitated” means that a person, as a result of his or her use of alcohol or other
    drugs, is in a state of intoxication or of mental confusion resulting from withdrawal
    such that the person: (A) appears to need medical care or supervision by approved substance abuse treatment
    personnel, as defined in this section, to ensure the person’s safety; or (B) appears to present a direct active or passive threat to the safety of others. (8) “Intoxicated” means a condition in which the mental or physical functioning of an
    individual is substantially impaired as a result of the presence of alcohol or other
    drugs in his or her system. (9) “Law enforcement officer” means a law enforcement officer certified by the Vermont
    Criminal Justice Council as provided in 20 V.S.A. §§ 2355-2358 or appointed by the Commissioner of Public Safety as provided in 20 V.S.A. § 1911. (10) “Licensed hospital” means a hospital licensed under chapter 43 of this title. (11) “Protective custody” means a civil status in which an incapacitated person is detained
    by a law enforcement officer for the purposes of: (A) ensuring the safety of the individual or the public, or both; and (B) assisting the individual to return to a functional condition. (12) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services or designee. (13) “Substance abuse crisis team” means an organization approved by the Secretary to provide
    emergency treatment and transportation services to substance abusers pursuant to the
    provisions of this chapter. (14) “Substance abuser” means anyone who drinks alcohol or consumes other drugs to an extent
    or with a frequency that impairs or endangers his or her health or the health and
    welfare of others. (15) “Treatment” means the broad range of medical, detoxification, residential, outpatient,
    aftercare, and follow-up services which are needed by substance abusers and may include
    a variety of other medical, social, vocational, and educational services relevant
    to the rehabilitation of these persons. (Added 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 118, eff. May 20, 2014; amended 2017, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § 90; 2023, No. 6, § 152, eff. July 1, 2023; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 52, 53, eff. July 1, 2024.)

Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 4802

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 4802 cover?

Section 4802 ("Definitions As used in this chapter: (1) “Alcoholic” means a person with the condition of alcoholism. (2) “Alcoholism” means addiction to the drug alcohol") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 4802?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 4802" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 4802 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.