“drinking culture” is often the only way to socialize in groups, and not necessarily alcoholism. But it can very well be. Compare it to other “drug cultures”,

“drinking culture” is often the only way to socialize in groups, and not necessarily alcoholism. But it can very well be. Compare it to other “drug cultures”, e.g. cocaine. Of course users socialize heavily, but that does not mean that they are not addicted or harming themselves.