>>Strong minded people might come to the conclusion not to start drinking that way from start?
>>While we have other alcohol culture here, I always found it a good idea to switch to water in moments of depression ...
In western culture it's acceptable, even celebrated to drink a lot. Being unable to stop isn't necessarily just being weak: past a certain point alcoholism is both psychological and physiological. Stopping heavy drinking often has physical symptoms that can include delirium tremens (DTs) which is a biochemical consequence that can lead to death. Which is one reason why formal rehab is advisable.
"... They ne'er cared for us
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act
established against the rich, and provide more
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and
there's all the love they bear us."
-- Shakespeare: Coriolanus, Act 1, scene 1
