We don't even have the defence of a table-drinking culture like France or Italy
I think that's just pretense. People will make excuses, play games, but the only honest reason to drink is to make yourself feel better. If youy feel really bad, you have to drink a lot. If you just want to unwind after a long work week, you don't need that much. It's really a way of self medicating. Amazing how many people have to take anti-anxiety pills, or sleeping pills or pain pills... have a freaking drink, you pvssy!
Just don't be an idiot and get yourself addicted. Dry yourself out often.
Na zdrowie!