I had to vote "as long as the're careful." But that's only because I'm drinking a can of lager as I write. I've just kicked a Diazepine addiction which came after a heroin/ketemine addiction.

In all honesty I believe it's not the best thing to do. Its just another drug and I treat it as such, but these days I try to be a lot more aware of when I choose to drink and how much.

I reckon that if depression wasn't a factor and I did more life fulfilling things I could take the final step and give up drinking for good. In the long run it's probably going to hinder and not help things. Peace.