I think this is really socialization, surroundings and trivial occasions. My family drinks alcohol, but very rarely so. I studied in another city where alcohol consumption is far more common and I was drunk nearly every weekend (didn't have much training). Now I am back to a beer every two weeks and I don't miss drinking more. I don't consider that self-improvement though, that would be a bit much, although it probably is far more healthy to not regularly intoxicate yourself. I also don't think most people were addicts, at least not yet.