Why do British drink so much?

Its been 11 years since my first...encounter with the British nightlife culture.

A culture that dictates to get not drunk but smashed to the point that you don't remember the previous night.

I didn't get it back then and I still don't.

And I obviously do not enjoy it.

Is there a specific reason for this behaviour?

No business talk today since it is 23rd December and my boy is at home with very high temperature...

Is it opression or depression? Maybe something else?