One thing that amazes (and entertains me) when it comes to watching my friends drink is how quickly their inhibitions disappear. Often, it only takes half a drink (well less than would physically affect them) for them to start talking and acting in ways that they would normally avoid. All it takes is the slightest edge of a buzz.
It even affects me to a degree. I find myself more willing to open up, say what's on my mind, not be able to concentrate, and even make more of an ass of myself than normal. There's a social aspect to being intoxicated. Some of it is merely the pleasure of having other people around us. Some of it is the tribe mentality that we have from our ancestors. I believe that only a small part of it is the chemical itself.
I don't know if I will drink in the future. My 42nd birthday is coming up this year, twice the legal limit to drink. It has long been on my mind as to whether that fulfills the original obligation of my pledge, or if my decision to not drink goes deeper than that. All I know is that if I do decide to drink, that I would want to do so with friends.