For people who do choose to drink alcohol, some seem to be able to drink without problems, while others do not. Alcoholism is chronic, and the disease won't go away on its own. Without treatment, alcoholism can cause death. Alcoholism can be treated. We can think of alcoholism like we think of other diseases.
Some people are more at risk for the disease.
They can learn ways to live with the disease and take care of themselves. As in other diseases, if the person refuses treatment, the disease will get worse, and the person may even die. Research has shown that alcoholics may not be able to metabolize alcohol in the way other people can. It may never be completely understood what causes alcoholism, but there is treatment for alcoholism. If an alcoholic decides to get treatment, he or she has a very good chance of living a long and healthy life.