Why Is Alcoholism Considered A Chronic Disease?
Most people often wonder why alcoholism is considered a chronic disease, yet an individual chooses to drink. Another question people ask is why addicts are referred to as victims. According to the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) , a chronic disease is a health condition that can last a year or longer. The condition can be managed through medication , lifestyle changes, and therapy. Failure to intervene early worsens the illness. In every ten Americans, six suffer from a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the US, annually contributing to about $3.5 trillion in health care costs. Defining Alcoholism Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease affecting the brain, often characterized by impulsive behavior, compulsive decision-making, and relapse. Its development and manifestation can be caused by genetic and environmental factors and cause biological changes in the brain, making it hard to abstain from drinking without the