Chemical dependency also known as alcoholism affects ten to twenty million Americans a year will die from their dependency prematurely unless they get help (Cummings). Along with, diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular difficulties, chemical dependency is too a disease with signs, symptoms and treatment. In 1996, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared that alcoholism was a disease, not the result of a person’s low morale. The (AMA) defined alcoholism as “an illness characterized by preoccupation with …showed first 75 words of 2239 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2239 total…self-help materials relating to alcoholism can, by itself, be an effective method of brief intervention. Alcoholism cannot be cured at this time. Even if an alcoholic hasn't been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. To guard against a relapse, an alcoholic must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages. Although it may be hard to “stay away” from alcohol, it is a key factor in treating this fatal disease.