What long-term effect of alcohol consumption is a leading cause of death in America?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition characterized by irreversible scarring of liver tissue, often resulting from chronic alcohol consumption. This condition is significant as it can lead to liver failure and is a notable long-term effect of excessive drinking. The liver is essential for many bodily functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, and when it is damaged, those functions are impaired, contributing to serious health issues.

In addition to cirrhosis, long-term alcohol consumption can lead to various other complications, such as increased risk of various cancers, including liver cancer, and other systemic health problems like cardiovascular issues. However, cirrhosis remains a well-documented and direct consequence of long-term alcohol abuse, making it a leading cause of death in the context of alcohol-related diseases.

The other health conditions listed—heart disease, lung cancer, and diabetes—are indeed significant health concerns and leading causes of death, but they are not as directly attributable to long-term alcohol consumption as cirrhosis, which specifically arises from chronic liver damage associated with sustained alcohol intake.