Disease Database Drug Database Alt. Gallstones Liver disease affects people of all ages. One in every 12 Canadians suffers from some form of liver or biliary tract disease. There are over 100 diseases of the liver, only one of which is directly related to alcohol. The liver processes everything a person consumes, including alcohol.
Alcohol affects everyone.
When a person has a drink, the alcohol is absorbed directly through the wall of the stomach and intestine into the bloodstream, where it is distributed rapidly throughout the body. The alcohol changes the function of each cell that it enters. The liver is the sole organ involved in processing alcohol and only a certain quantity of alcohol can be detoxified over a period of time. In the meantime, excess alcohol affects the brain, heart, muscles and other tissues of the body. When the liver has too much alcohol to handle, normal liver function may be interrupted leading to a chemical imbalance.