![]() 1,2 Additionally, several other organs-including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, pancreas, heart, and bone-exhibit impaired function after chronic ethanol use. In heavy consumers of alcohol, the liver is especially susceptible to alcohol-induced injury. IntroductionĪ vast body of evidence from human studies and animal research clearly indicates that chronic, heavy alcohol consumption causes structural damage and/or disrupts normal organ function in virtually every tissue of the body. Damage sustained by the organ/tissue is reviewed, and evidence for recovery during abstinence is presented. This review describes how (or whether) each organ/tissue metabolizes ethanol, as metabolism influences the organ’s degree of injury. Data on studies of both heavy alcohol use among humans and animal models of chronic ethanol feeding are discussed. Other organs show recovery after abstinence as well. Even after years of heavy alcohol use, the liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity and, following alcohol removal, can recover a significant portion of its original mass and function. Depending on the organ and whether there is relapse, functional recovery is possible. Most significantly, the recovery process after cessation of alcohol consumption (abstinence) is explored. This review summarizes and describes the effects of chronic alcohol use not only on the liver, but also on other selected organs and systems affected by continual heavy drinking-including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, heart, and bone. The liver is especially susceptible to alcohol-induced damage. Current diagnostic terminology states that a person who drinks alcohol excessively has alcohol use disorder. ![]() Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption disrupts normal organ function and causes structural damage in virtually every tissue of the body.
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