Alcohol has a social function that goes far beyond drunkenness itself. It's used as a bonding tool or as a way to establish trust (In vino veritas?) and determi

Alcohol has a social function that goes far beyond drunkenness itself. It's used as a bonding tool or as a way to establish trust (In vino veritas?) and determines how a large portion of recreational time is spent. It can signal cultural identities and social class, and so can the absence of drink. For instance, some religions forbid inebriation and some countries and classes have an extensively developed interest in specific forms of alcohol. Lastly, there is a complex moral aspect to consumption that can leave drinkers in a hostile mood if confronted by someone who doesn't drink, even if that person had the best intentions. This is especially true if you add your prediction that you will never drink in the future. I'm sure I'm overlooking a few things but if you put this all together it's unsurprising that you encountered negative appraisals of your own lifestyle and that this study was met with doubt.