Eh, what do you consider drunk? Stumbling around with slurred speach means you had too much - I used to do that back when I was in school (the laws are much less strict here), but nowadays I don't find it enjoyable. It's not so much about being drunk as it is about getting drunk, and getting drunk together with friends, in a comfortable environment: In such a situation alcohol acts as a mood enhancer, heightening the feeling of understanding and mutual trust that would be present in any case. (I guess that's what you mean by 'buzz'; I personally prefer to stay sober at such events because of the presence of very many people I do not share the same bond with.)
That's also the prime reason why one should never, never drink when one is alone or feeling blue: Alcohol enhances those moods to, making the lows even lower. This leads to the consumption of even more alcohol, leading to true drunkenness, and maybe even unconciousness and blackout. And with the element of social control removed, addiction is not that far away.
Damn ninjas! I don't know whether getting drunk at 14 was legal or not, but it wasn't uncommon. You can buy beer here at 16, and high-proof alcohol at 18. I believe this system makes much more sense than the American one: Instead of being a forbidden fruit, alcohol is something normal that you slowly become accustomed to as you become an adult. That's why we don't have too many problems with students getting completely pissed as soon they come to university: They've known how to handle beer since they were about fifteen, and tested their limits regarding hard liquor while still living at home and thus being under at least some supervision. Alcohol is nothing new and exciting to them, and excessive drinking is seen as somewhat juvenile, leading to immediate social feedback effecting a moderate drinking style.
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Topic: Things that made you go "WTF?" today o_O (Read 14844991 times)