Armed with our evolutionary analysis of intoxication, a more accurate way to proceed would be to weigh the undeniable and clear costs of alcohol consumption against its harder-to-perceive benefits. There is a reason that highly successful companies, such as Google, continue to allow alcohol to play a structural role in their institutional life. As we have seen, alcohol enhances creativity, both individual and group. It can help overcome trust issues and allow for a freer exchange of ideas. It is also the case that office parties do, or at least can, build corporate spirit and group bonding.
