Alcoholism can cause damage to the lungs. The relationship between alcohol abuse and the lungs is indirect unlike the relationship between alcohol abuse and the liver. Lungs are dependent on glutathione for protection against oxidative damage. Chronic alcohol abuse causes glutathione levels to be depleted about 80-90% within the alveolar spaces. This dramatic decrease damages the production of the alveolar epithelial surfactant. The lungs start to become more susceptible to oxidative stress and further damage.

 
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-04/euhs-gdi041902.php

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=17220370