[kvcc01]

Do these studies ever control for the socialization factor that may relate to alcohol consumption? It seems having good social connectedness is good for you psychically, maybe even physically, so if you socialize with your friends, family, colleagues over drinks regularly, that may be helping more than drinking itself.

Conversely, if you are a recluse, perhaps taking up drinking on your own won't be too beneficial, if at all.

[mrtron]

For me this is the biggest thing I enjoy about alcohol - it is primarily consumed at social occasions. Convincing some old colleagues to grab a beer on a patio is much easier than convincing them to meet up otherwise. Not everyone drinks at the meetups, but most do.