No-one has really answered the question; even the few medical bods on here so I will try to.
Firstly, alcohol IS addictive (that was mentioned) and by the time you've realised that you CAN'T go without a drink, it's possibly too late. You will become irritable, argumentative if you can't get a drink or are sobering up. Therefore, it's imperative that you listen to your friends and family; if they say you are drinking too much then you are. No arguments. If you deny it, you've gone too far and need help.
The next that could happen is Korsakoff Syndrome which is caused by Thiamin deficiency.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korsakoff's_syndrome This is particularly difficult for anyone to live with. The neuropathy will mean that limbs will be very painful and you'll possibly lose the use of them.
Liver disease - yes, it's true people go yellow. In the later stages of alcohol abuse, the body atrophies from the inside out and boy, does it stink.
I'm not anti alcohol and I believe that there is not enough help or knowledge surrounding alcoholism. But, I do get irritated when people say it's a good way to go. Believe me, it ain't; it must be one of the most unpleasant, painful, drawn out ways of dying.
Cheers
Whirls