[circuit8]

This is the core of the issue. The thing is that in modern western societies shame is placed upon many activities that are normal and necessary for a human to enjoy a good life. It is shameful in many places for a person to sing, dance, and to express their true emotions. So we intoxicate ourselves, in order to escape from the overly rigid social conditioning we have all internalised.

[throwaway2037]

    modern western societies shame is placed upon many activities that are normal and necessary for a human to enjoy a good life

Where are my Italians at? They don't do this. Probably Spaniards and Greeks also, but I have met far fewer.

[piaste]

And indeed, Mediterranean cultures tend to favour moderate (if steady) consumption of alcohol, rather than binge drinking.

[circuit8]

Yes agreed. It seems to me that the more rigid the culture (Britain, Scandinavia, Japan etc) the more they binge drink.