As a British person, being drunk is a huge part of my culture

Using alcohol to an advantage really is a fine art, and only acceptable when socialising. After a few I stop being shy and therefore become a much better person socially and say things that I want to say (which are generally good things). I'm much more rational than the shy quiet person which I dislike.

Once properly drunk though it starts to get embarrassing. The decreased inhibition goes too far and I make an idiot of myself. Once blitzed I should be banned from messageboards, where I'll have a habit of getting overly affectionate and/or posting rather um... risqué self photos (not on kids messageboards like this one obviously, not even when hammered, that should go without saying)

Using alcohol for "benefit" isn't always good though. You should never do so at work or before driving for example.
Also, some people just become angry when they're drunk and start fights - these types should give it up.

Additionally, drinking the right amount for the social benefit is difficult and takes practice. The more you drink the more the self inhibitors are drowned out, which is great for a shy person. But at the same time judgement becomes impaired so it's very easy to drink too much and become too confident (and with bad judgement) leading to very embarrassing situations. They key is knowing (from experience) how much you need to drink to reach the sweet spot and then stopping there - or if you choose to continue, trying to avoid anything irreversible