> it's also very boring

I think SO many people overlook this very fact. Most people don't need alcohol to have a good time however it's called a "social lubricant" for a reason.

Sometimes people just need a tiny push to become less self conscious or less introverted. Life is short. You can spend years trying to be healthy and perfect but you need to ask yourself whether you're happy while doing that. If the answer is "Yes" then great. If it's "No" then you should reevaluate your path.

On the other hand, there is a risk some people are using alcohol to medicate otherwise treatable conditions such as social anxiety.

That is a pretty shitty long term strategy. You shouldn't need to have beer to be comfortable talking to people.

You should do whatever you want. But what other should is up to them.

There is a time for facing your demons, and there is a time for simply enjoying.

I'm not prone to addiction, but I think it's important to realize that some people are, and they might not know this about themselves. Addiction can start innocently enough but end up in a train wreck, and I think people should be educated about this fact so that they understand the risks that might be caused by the crutch.