Regular drinking increases your risk of developing pancreatitis. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis has a quick onset and normally will only last a few days before it is gone. It is believed that alcohol causes acute pancreatitis because the molecules in the alcohol interfere with the cells within the pancreas, stopping them from working properly.
Chronic pancreatitis is caused by repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis causes permanent damage to your pancreas which, in some cases, can be irreversible. With all of our organs working together and supporting each other, chronic pancreatitis will eventually lead to other illnesses including diabetes and cancer.