I realize there are times when drinking can be dangerous or harmful to the person. Is drinking just bad all together or is it based on what happens or what you do when you are drunk…
It is a Torah axiom that everything was created for a purpose.
But what is the purpose of drinking?
We see from the Torah many examples of people getting into trouble from drinking (most notoriously: Noah after the flood, Genesis 9; Lot with his daughters, Genesis 19).
Yet we make Kiddush over wine.
The Talmud tells us that one of the ways you can learn the true nature of a person is through his cup- meaning, by how he acts when he’s drunk. Alcohol releases our inhibitions. It encourages us to follow our feelings. When we make Kiddush over wine, in the atmosphere of honoring the Shabbos, our feelings of love and appreciation towards G-d become easier to express.
Not all of our feelings are appropriate to express, however (that’s why G-d gave us minds, to discern between feelings). When drinking in less controlled environments, we are more likely to make choices which are unwise or even dangerous.
Regarding casual drinking here’s something to consider: few people can pursue higher goals every moment of life, without taking some time to relax. Relaxing and socializing are basic human needs. How much time should you be spending pursuing higher goals (helping others, studying about Judaism, praying�) and how much time do you need to chill out with friends so you don’t burn out?
That’s a question you have to answer from within yourself. Of course, it is helpful to acquire a competent Torah mentor to help facilitate this growth process; because the question is very important and the honest answer can easily be swayed.