<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> The modern disease theory of alcoholism states that problem drinking is sometimes caused by a disease of the brain, characterized by altered brain structure and function . </P> <P> The American Medical Association (AMA) declared that alcoholism was an illness in 1956 . In 1991, the AMA further endorsed the dual classification of alcoholism by the International Classification of Diseases under both psychiatric and medical sections . </P> <P> Alcoholism is a chronic problem . However, if managed properly, damage to the brain can be stopped and to some extent reversed . In addition to problem drinking, the disease is characterized by symptoms including an impaired control over alcohol, compulsive thoughts about alcohol, and distorted thinking . Alcoholism can also lead indirectly, through excess consumption, to physical dependence on alcohol, and diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver . </P>

When did the ama recognize alcoholism as a disease