Why the British Like to drink...?

Alcohol as I understand is an important part of British culture. I would like to know what is the reason for a british to have this need to have a drink at home, go out to a pub and drink when they can? Could it be that the british have some sort of dissatisfaction with themselves or are they hyperactive and have this need to cool down? is it shyness? are they trying to destroy a feeling of extreme politeness that might prevent them from expressing themselves more openly? Can the average british be comfortable without his or her drink for a long time?