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How does alcohol affect the liver over time? Alcohol damages the liver gradually as fatty deposits build up inside its cells, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease. This stage is reversible if drinking stops. Next comes alcoholic hepatitis, inflammation that can become severe enough to cause death. The final stage is cirrhosis, where scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue and permanently impairs function. How does alcohol affect the brain over time? Alcohol interferes with neurotransmitters and kills brain cells. Long-term use shrinks brain volume, slows information processing, and impairs memory, judgment, and coordination. Repeated episodes of heavy drinking also raise the risk of dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe deficiency-related disorder. How does alcohol affect the heart over time? Chronic alcohol use weakens the heart muscle in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, making it less efficient at pumping blood. It also raises blood pressure, enlarges the upper left heart chamber, and increases arrhythmia risk. Moderate drinking does not reliably protect the heart and may actually erodes any claimed benefit once dosage exceeds one drink per day. How does alcohol affect the pancreas over time? Alcohol irritates the pancreas, causing inflammation known as pancreatitis. Acute episodes produce intense pain and may spread infection or produce complications. Chronic pancreatitis leads to permanent damage, including loss of digestive enzymes and insulin production, increasing the risk of diabetes. How does alcohol affect the kidneys over time? Alcohol acts as a diuretic and dehydrates the body. Over time, consistent dehydration along with direct toxic effects on kidney cells impairs their ability to filter blood,平衡 electrolytes, and keep pressure low. Long-term drinkers show higher rates of chronic kidney disease. How does alcohol affect the immune system over time? Alcohol suppresses white blood cell production and function. This reduces the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Long-term drinkers contract infections more easily and recover slower, especially respiratory infections and tuberculosis.