Alcoholism is a terrible disease that leaves scars for generations on families.
It really is. It is essentially a broad term for any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems
What are the success rates for people trying to quit?  Is there any hope?
Not sure about those, but if not taken care of, it can result in mental illness, irregular heartbeat, and risk of cancer.
I suppose liver damage is also a risk?
For sure. Also affects the brain, heart, pancreas, and immune system.