Article> those who don't participate [in drinking alcohol] are de facto excluded

Though I do sometimes drink, I've never felt uncomfortable ordering a water, a non-alcoholic beer (more commonly in Europe), a soda, or a coffee at a place where "everyone else" is drinking.

That may not seem as comfortable in Japan or China, but in Europe, India, and America, I haven't felt the least bit self-conscious or pressured beyond the occasional "Oh, no beer for you?" "None for me, thanks." interaction.

And you can order things that appear to contain alcohol if you feel self-conscious about it. With the added benefit that after a few hours you still have a clear head while everyone else is buzzing — a potential advantage for you.

Not a doctor or expert, but in my experience in tech and startups I noticed a strong difference between (younger) American coworkers and Europeans. Alcohol seemed totally normal to Europeans (and also declining alcohol was never a big deal) whereas with some US expats the “pressure” was more palpable.

Some US friends and coworkers openly discussed this “weird relationship” Americans have with alcohol and how it develops during high school onto college. Can’t comment on that but it fits my anecdotal experience.

Maybe not cirrhosis specialists

Probably the medical industry as a whole has less of this, I'd assume.