Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by many diseases, only one of which is excessive alcohol consumption.
The liver is the site of many metabolic processes. It makes certain essential proteins and breaks down many drugs and toxins. It facilitates the absorption of fats in the diet.
liver cirrhosis is characterized by scarring of the liver, which usually comes on gradually -- often over a period of years. The condition can be caused by excessive alcohol intake over time. But the hepatitis C virus and the hepatitis B virus may cause chronic hepatitis, which progresses to liver cirrhosis years after the initial infection. Damage to the bile ducts carrying bile into the intestine also may cause cirrhosis. There a few rare inherited diseases that cause liver scarring, but they usually make their appearance before the person passes into the retirement years.