Many of us are only acting to fulfill those expectations we think others have for our behavior. The expectations for drinking alcohol may be positive or negative. Alcohol is a powerful positive transforming agent. Alcohol enhances sexuality. Alcohol increases arousal.
Alcohol promotes relaxation or tension reduction.
Alcohol affects our emotional states. Alcohol allows us to be more outgoing and assertive. Although expectations play an important role in how we behave when we consume alcohol, it does NOT negate the fact that alcohol has dramatic physiological effects. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, impairs our judgement, slows our responses, and impairs complex motor functions. Given this combination of factors, maybe we should consider changing our beliefs about alcohol consumption.