Yes! I once left a family event for about an hour just so I could go home, get a drink (or 2) and relax - I didn't want to get "caught" drinking too much in front of them, but I desperately wanted more alcohol - I also used to leave early if the drinks were "put up" - sure, the people were nice, but the fun was in the alcohol and having the next day off to recover.

Once I gave up drinking, the PEOPLE became the fun part - and having a next day without a hangover was and is pure bliss.