I admire people who can be drunk and still go to work and even appear in public.
As a former drinker, I could barely stay awake after a few extra drinks. And I certainly couldn't string together a complete sentence.
It takes real stamina to be drunk and keep working (and not give a shiite what people think about your intoxicated state).
Back when I was working in NYC, I knew men, and a few women, who could have numerous martinis at lunch--martinis, not light beer--and still work hard until 7:00 pm. (and get a huge amount done). I even knew some who could sip on a flask all day and still function.
Note: I'm not condoning working while drunk. Just making an observation.
There are people for whom alcohol takes off the edge. The edge being pain, physical or emotional. Everybody else, including me, just falls asleep.