If either the delivery of oxygen or the use of oxygen is inhibited, cells will die. Brain function will be severely affected leading to irrecoverable damage and eventually...death. People who have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for long periods of time run the risk of developing serious and persistent changes in the brain. Damage may be a result of the direct effects of alcohol on the brain or may result indirectly, from a poor general health status or from severe liver disease and death.