Justwantnormal---as a matter of fact, if you look at cat scans of brains of people who have been drinking for many years--you can actually see evidence of shrinkage of brain size (enlarged ventricles). The body definitely takes a hit from continuous exposure to large amounts of alcohol. (as does brain function).
While alcohol might have brought pleasure in the early years of drinking--the body accomodates--and, eventually the same amount of alcohol no longer brings the same pleasure. The body (and brain) will come to the point where the alcohol is required just to keep away the painful withdrawl symptoms. No longer drinking for pleasure--but, to keep away pain.
dandylion