Getting pissed seemed to be what people simply did. All the time. Like a hobby or something.
I myself don't drink because, aside from certain wines, I can't stand the taste of any of the stuff. Over here it socially ostracises somebody in a big way not to drink, in fact I knew a guy who was bullied quite badly because he wouldn't drink.
When I went to postgraduate in Britain I was surprised by the fact that I was no longer considered somebody who under drank. I guess I'll always be a bit surprised when I find countries where my level of drinking is normal.
Binge drinking and making a fool out of oneself, and being hung over and dehydrated 5 days out of 7 just seems like a big waste of time to me.
I'd think the same meself, but sure when you live somewhere where it is the norm you can't criticise it outloud. You are correct though, it is simply what you do over here.
Edited by Son Goku, : Minor edits.