This is hardly specific to the USA work culture. From what I understand European offices make the US look like a bunch of teetotalers. And the drunken Japanese businessman singing karaoke isn't a cliche for no reason.
In the City (London) - Coffee and Alcohol really do make the whole thing go round.
Get hepped up on Caffeine all day, retox on the booze post work.
I can also remember the liquid lunches of the seventies and eighties (basically beer or wine for lunch, maybe some food).
Oh and nicotine. Huge numbers of smokers!