< our paleo ancestors who faced tremendous stress just to survive (did you
all catch the poor chap on Walking With Cavemen who got his skull pierced by
a giant antler?!!) wouldn't have possibly found it intoxicating to be
intoxicated??>

all intoxicants at one time were meshed into a religious/spiritual
framework. The question for any individual is which one, how much, and in
what context.

On a more mundane level, if moderate alcohol intake reduces stress and hence
cortisol levels, then regular intake through the day, which is part of the
food culture in Italy, Greece, Spain, and France, would have definite health
benefits.

andrew