Alcohol contributes to several
esophageal disorders, including eso -
ph a gitis, esophageal varices, and eso -
phageal adenocarcinoma (Rampalla,
2008). Erosive gastritis can be a direct
result of the toxic effects of alcohol
and increased susceptibility to
Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Excessive
alcohol use is a major cause of pancreatitis,
which can lead to lifethreatening
necrosis (Rampulla,
2008; Whitcomb, 2006). Heavy, prolonged
alcohol use also is associated
with the progression of colon adenomas
(Rampulla, 2008).