I think this attitude is pretty common among NT's, at least the ones I've spoken with. There's a strong desire to remain in control and only respond rationally. I'd argue that it's beneficial to loosen control once in a while, if only to reassure others that you're as vulnerable as they are. And occasionally experiencing reality via non-ordinary perception can really be stimulating intellectually, once you've done it. Gives you plenty of food for thought, and also allows you to better understand why others partake regularly.
Alcohol tends to fill one of three purposes: social lubricant, relaxation, or escape. If you don't go overboard, it's really pretty relaxing, so I don't think drinking, even alone, in small quantities is a negative (unwinding after work, like you said). Drinking at a social occasion where others are drinking is typically polite, though not required. In the right amount, alcohol makes other people more interesting, so someone who's imbibing often wants you to feel as comfortable with them as they are with you.
I agree that booze culture is a problem, and you don't have to like it. If the main event in your social circles is getting drunk, while you don't enjoy hanging out with them in that state, I'd suggest finding a new/alternate social circle.
It'll probably improve as you age, as the average maturity increases and drinking as entertainment becomes less prevalent. In the meantime, try not to judge others for wanting to party - it can be fun, and leads to stories about drunk shenanigans, to be told for years to come.
Alcohol tends to fill one of three purposes: social lubricant, relaxation, or escape. If you don't go overboard, it's really pretty relaxing, so I don't think drinking, even alone, in small quantities is a negative (unwinding after work, like you said). Drinking at a social occasion where others are drinking is typically polite, though not required. In the right amount, alcohol makes other people more interesting, so someone who's imbibing often wants you to feel as comfortable with them as they are with you.
I agree that booze culture is a problem, and you don't have to like it. If the main event in your social circles is getting drunk, while you don't enjoy hanging out with them in that state, I'd suggest finding a new/alternate social circle.
It'll probably improve as you age, as the average maturity increases and drinking as entertainment becomes less prevalent. In the meantime, try not to judge others for wanting to party - it can be fun, and leads to stories about drunk shenanigans, to be told for years to come. 
