It affects cell membranes, all neurochemical systems, and all endocrine systems. Alcohol inhibits secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone, increasing the need to urinate It can impair vision and dull taste and smell. It can slow reaction time and reduce pain sensitivity. It impairs sensorimotor skills, judgment, and alertness.
Alcohol can increase sexual desire but decrease sexual performance.
Although prolonged or heavy alcohol use can lead to structural and functional brain damage, long-term abstinence can virtually reverse impairment. Heavy and prolonged alcohol use can lead to alcohol hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol hepatitis involves the inflammation and death of liver cells. It is reversible but can cause death if left untreated. Cirrhosis is irreversible and death comes most often within five years as liver cells die and the body is no longer able to metabolize toxins such as ammonia that build up in the body.