Final answer:
Chronic alcohol misuse disrupts the metabolism of alcohol by causing liver disease, which impairs the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol, leading to an accumulation of toxic by-products. It also affects the excretory system, especially the kidneys, causing kidney dysfunction and altering blood ion concentrations and acid-base balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic alcohol misuse can lead to significant disturbances in the metabolism of alcohol. When alcohol is consumed, the liver metabolizes the majority of it, using two main enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The first reaction transforms ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then converted into less harmful acetic acid. However, with chronic excessive consumption of alcohol, this system is compromised.
Long-term excessive drinking leads to liver damage and can cause liver disease, inhibiting its capacity to metabolize alcohol efficiently. This, in turn, increases the toxicity in the body as acetaldehyde, a toxic intermediate product, cannot be converted at the normal rate, leading to its accumulation. Furthermore, chronic drinking can lead to the development of tolerance, where higher amounts of alcohol are required to achieve the same effect. Once alcohol consumption stops, withdrawal effects such as tremors, seizures, insomnia, and confusion can manifest due to a hyperactive state that is no longer countered by alcohol's inhibitory effects. The excretory system, especially the kidneys and liver, is also affected by chronic alcohol abuse.