It is totally acceptable. Even at work functions, it becomes a joke "Did you see Steve getting drunk last night .. bet he's having a tough morning . . . laughs." Or, there goes my uncle Smith, he's always got a drink ..., such a fun guy." We equate losing our mental and physical faculties with "fun." Common first dates: Drinks and apps. I suspect many struggle with an alcohol use problem in plain sight because using alcohol is generally viewed in a positive light (or at least socially acceptable).