What are the causes of liver disease and are they affected by alcohol consumption?

Many: Some liver diseases are inherited, but most are caused by hepatitis virus, alcohol damage, or fatty liver disease that can progress to non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis. Alcohol consumption in the face of known liver disease would be a bad idea.

Too many to say: But, consumption of alcohol can increase your risks of liver related illness. Viral infections (hepatitis, cmv) as well as bacteria and parasites can cause liver damage. Poor nutrition can lead to problems as well. Patients can develop live failure if they have "shock" from any cause (blood, loss, infection, injury). Ethanol makes the liver more susceptible to damage.