It used to be thought that drinking damages nerves because the calories consumed replace nutritious food.

Now there are some studies coming out that there can be a direct toxic effect on nerves.

I think this depends on the person. Some people have errors genetically in the metabolism of alcohols and aldehydes. These people may be more affected earlier than others, as the toxins build up when alcohol is metabolized.

Walking on the inner ankles...is called pronation. And this can be fixed with orthotics in the shoes. My son pronates only on his right ankle, and could never find the right shoe. After we had him fitted for the orthotics, he is totally a new man!
Some ankle issues are structural, and not just nerves.

For what it is worth, my husband had a terrible alcohol issue...never a DUI or in public, but enough to make him sick!
He never had any nerve issues at all! He has been sober now over 9yrs, and doesn't drink a drop. Still no nerve issues.
So it really depends on the person, the genetics, and the diet.