Alcoholism and Mental illness are both examples of chronic illness.

• A. True
• B. Only alcoholism is chronic
• C. Only mental illness is chronic
• D. False

Answer: (A)

Chronic illness means a condition that lasts a long time, often lifelong, and requires ongoing care, monitoring, and management rather than a one-time cure. Alcohol use disorder fits this model because it’s a relapsing brain disease where ongoing treatment, support, and sometimes medications are needed to manage symptoms and reduce risk of relapse. Mental illness also commonly maintains over time, with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia frequently requiring long-term treatment, maintenance strategies, and coordinated care to manage symptoms and functioning, even though some individuals may experience episodes of improvement. Because both conditions tend to persist and require ongoing management rather than a single resolution, the statement is true.