I don't think alcohol shuts down emotions. Anecdotally speaking, alcohol seems to enhance feelings of anger and happiness in certain individuals.

Isn't shutting down emotions the main reason why people drink alcohol in the first place? You get dumped by a girl - you drink. You get fired from the job - you go to a bar for a few shots. Your favorite basketball team loses the match - you get a beer or two. That's why the main part of rehab for alcoholics is learning how to deal with emotions without drinking.

You started with `people' in mind en ended up with `alcoholics'. Most people don't end up alcoholic and so don't drink to shut down emotions.

You get married - You celebrate with a party and alcohol

You get promoted - You celebrate by going to a bar to have a few shots

Your favorite basketball team wins a match - you celebrate by getting hammered

It sounds like you've learned about drinking habits from TV and not from real life.

I think it's fair to say that many people with emotional problems or mental illness try to use alcohol (or another substance) as a coping mechanism – which is not a good idea.

Most people don't drink to shut down emotions, however.

Some people actually just like the taste of various things.

Some other people enjoy the socialization places like bars and whatnot have.

Does an angry drunk seem shut down to you?

Not my experience.