It was only a few years ago that I actually thought some of my friends drank too much and I hoped I didn't end up like them! But what's happened is they continue to get very drunk every so often and that's all, they are sober in-between those times. I'm a nurse and have worked in the most acute emergency settings, and for some reason going out and getting plastered when we get the chance to all get together is what we did. I still see my lovely friends giving shout outs for the next 'liquid lunch' on Facebook and I do miss them, as they are the kindest most hilarious people to be with.
However this is a choice to save my life. They all go home and nurse a hangover and carry on with their lives but it would be a completely different story for me. And as for dating I don't do that anymore either for the same reason.