Which is a long-term effect of alcohol abuse?

Liver cirrhosis is a well-documented long-term effect of chronic alcohol abuse. When a person consumes alcohol excessively over time, it can lead to significant damage to the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and persistent heavy drinking can cause inflammation and fatty liver disease, ultimately progressing to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, which impairs liver function and can lead to severe health complications, including liver failure.

In the context of the other options, while kidney stone formation, cardiomyopathy, and pancreatitis can also be associated with substance abuse or excessive drinking, they do not represent the primary or most common long-term consequence of alcohol abuse compared to liver cirrhosis. Each of those other conditions may arise from alcohol consumption, but cirrhosis specifically is a direct and prevalent consequence of chronic alcohol use, making it the most fitting choice in the context of long-term effects.