Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the stomach. Erosion in that lining can cause constant oozing of blood into the stomach or, if a vessel ruptures, a major bleed. Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine output. Prolonged heavy drinking can cause kidney failure. For reasons that aren t clear, the pancreas can become inflamed and leak digestive enzymes, which then attack the pancreas itself.
Pancreatitis is extremely painful and can be fatal.
In men, it impairs the production of sperm and testosterone, and can lead to infertility and impotence. In women, decreased estrogen metabolism in the liver increases the amount of estrogen circulating in the body, which can contribute to menstral irregularities and infertility. Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause anemias and abnormal blood clotting, which results in excessive bleeding and easy bruising. It also impairs the function of white blood cells, increasing susceptibility to infection. Alcohol dependence can cause osteoporosis and arthritis, and deform the joints.