[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.