Final answer:
Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by the inability to control alcohol intake due to a compulsion or genetic predisposition. It is recognized as a serious health issue rather than a personal fault, leading to chronic liver failure and potential kidney dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person craves alcohol and cannot control their alcohol intake, they are considered to have a chronic disease known as alcoholism. This condition is characterized by a compulsive use of alcohol despite the negative consequences. In the past, people suffering from such conditions were often blamed for their inability to stop drinking; however, views have shifted significantly since the latter half of the twentieth century. Alcoholism is increasingly recognized as a disease or a genetic predisposition to addiction, and individuals with this condition are often viewed with more compassion and understanding, transforming the perception of "badness" into "sickness".
In the context of the medical model, chronic diseases like alcoholism can lead to severe health issues such as chronic liver failure and other forms of liver disease. The liver is an essential organ for detoxifying the body, and its malfunction can also have a significant impact on kidney function. The relationship between alcoholism, liver disease, and subsequent kidney dysfunction is crucial. This is because chronic excessive consumption of alcohol impairs liver function, thus putting added strain on the kidneys and potentially leading to kidney dysfunction.