I'm not saying those studies you're referring to are wrong, but I do wonder if the way they framed their hypothesis led them to a false positive. I agree with

I'm not saying those studies you're referring to are wrong, but I do wonder if the way they framed their hypothesis led them to a false positive. I agree with the 'mood amplifier' description that MLR gave before. It gives you some temporary courage to live more boldly. With this study, did they try and provoke a reaction from the drunk people? I also think it misses the larger picture. For example, you mentioned about your friends who are adorable drunks, where are the studies that measure adorableness when drunk, or any other traits of inebriated individuals? Why does it always have to be about the negatives? Don't get me wrong, I totally accept that our drinking culture has some hugely negative aspects, and I'll be glad if the upcoming generations enjoy socialising without it, but I also believe we shouldn't rush to see it without its merits too. Alcohol can make people do horrible things (hurting others being the main one), but it can make people do great things too (including being more compassionate), is this contradictory? At a stretch you could say courage/confidence is at the centre of both.