Why is the excessive use of alcohol commonplace in our society?

As you have learned this week, the consumption of alcohol is commonplace in the United States. Why? Some of the statistics that you will read state that the cost due to excessive alcohol consumption was nearly a quarter of a TRILLION dollars, nearly half of all highway fatalities are directly linked to alcohol consumption and over 50% of high school seniors have reported they have drunk to inebriation. Why? Studies have shown the detriment that alcohol consumption can cause to brain function, overall health and behavior changes; so why is the desire and use so high? What elements of alcohol consumption facilitate the repeated use? Why is the excessive use of alcohol commonplace in our society?