I haven't had a drink in about 8 years. That was back when I had something resembling a social life. A few mates and I went out to a bar or club on the weekends, and had a few beers. I hated the taste of beer, but it definetely calmed my nerves. However, it didn't make me any more confident or sociable. Actually, it seemed to have more of a negative effect on my personality, making me feel more depressed, bitter, and angry. I guess alchohol has a way of amplifying your emotions, making all the bottled up misery bubble over.
After spending a few hours at some bar/club, we usually left went home without company. Occasionally, a few of the other guys hooked up with some girls. Needless to say, I never did.
Ever since I've been socially isolated, during the last 8 years, I haven't had a single drop of alchohol. I never acquired a taste for it. But maybe I should try to have a drink soon. It definetly made me feel a little more relaxed, and calmed my nerves a bit. It's easy to imagine why people become alchoholics.