Therefore, the acid from the stomach flows backwards into the esophagus, burning those tissues, and causing pain and bleeding. Inflammation of the stomach can also result in bleeding and pain, and decreased desire to eat. These varices are actually developed in response to liver disease, and are extremely prone to bursting and hemorrhaging. Diarrhea is a common symptom, due to alcohol's effect on the pancreas. Throughout the intestinal tract, alcohol interferes with the absorption of nutrients, creating a malnourished state.
Alcohol interferes with a number of important chemical processes that also occur in the liver.
Alcohol can cause changes to all the types of blood cells. Red blood cells become abnormally large. Platelets and blood clotting factors are affected, causing an increased risk of bleeding. Small amounts of alcohol cause a drop in blood pressure, but with increased use, alcohol begins to increase blood pressure into a dangerous range. High levels of fats circulating in the bloodstream increase the risk of heart disease.