无酒不成席!

I agree with what you have written here concerning alcohol consumption, particularly the analogy to a double-edged sword.  Indeed, alcohol can be both a positive or a negative thing.  

We've all been to social functions where it has started out extremely awkwardly.  Everyone is nervous..nobody knows each other.  After a few drinks however, it seems that everyone is getting along really well and there is a great atmosphere.  Friendships are made, jokes are funny and everyone laughs!

I probably don't need to explain my view on the negative aspects of alcohol.  It can lead to some pretty disastrous outcomes such as liver disease and even cancer.  Not to mention the stupid things you could do while under the influence such as drive a car or even get violent.  If a crime is commited while under the influence of alcohol, I think the punishment handed down should be even harsher!

Just my opinion :)!

Drinking

There is an old Chinese saying,  said that it cannot be "Not a feast without drinking". Often, we often cannot avoid drinking it when we take part in parts and at family gathering for the holiday meals. Drinking is more or less enriched enshrined in the Chinese people mind. It has become is a way to communicate idea and convey one's thoughts and emotions. However, you can enjoy the true interest if only you get the scientific methods of the quality and quantity of drinking. 不太明你的含意. 我只猜猜.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure how much is too much drinking in such circumstances.

Drinking is a double-edged sword. It will make you healthy if you drink it properly Drinking the right amount can have salubrious effects, otherwise, disaster awaits. it will bring your pine and sickness. How much is the right to make it balance? Different people have diverse different opinions. From my prospective, there are three checks: possible methods to keep the balance.

1. First of all, Never get drunk. It really hurt you body after you got drunk. You may get hurt in more ways than one.

2.  Secondly, don’t drink too more kinds of drinking at one time No mix drinks or drinking more than one kind during the same period.

3.In the third place, Don’t drink more than 3 three times a week.

Perhaps it is different in China.  In my family, there is no alcohol served at family gatherings.