I have a history of alcohol in my family. My mum was an alcoholic, told one more drop, she'd die on the spot, my dad was borderline, my nan was, my aunty was. I was brought up in pubs from a very early age and exposed to the culture. Drinking from early teens, pubs knew who i was and would serve me most times.
Now this may seem bad, but i know exactly the dangers of alcohol, what to drink, how much to drink and what damage it does. But, in my town, alcohol is king, the pub is where everyone spends their time,we know nothing else. I occasionally get kidney infections causing loin pain, often have no recollection on late nights.
On a friday or saturday i usually do 10 pints easily, sunday is increasingly becoming all day again, i'll do a dozen. Midweek i rarely drink however and spend it flushing it out of my system. People can say such and such is bad for you, but bodies are different, drinks are different. Understanding ones body is the key, not reading guidelines. My weight will never drop or gain a pound, ever, my blood pressure is perfect and my heart rate is in the fit range. I dont goto gym.