I think it is so engraved and entrenched within the West that alcohol has become a part of life. It amazes me that people are relatively shocked about the rise of alcohol problems. Also, the fact that people are judged for having a problem with it. It seems that there is almost a political aspect to it; you need to be somewhat sophisticated when leading a hedonistic lifestyle. Otherwise, there is something wrong with you. This is just my experience.
It is one big irony.