British girls outdrink boys — and most of Europe

It is often traditionally considered to be an achievement in Britain, yes.

Ideally you don't get drunk though - you should be able to drink as much alcohol as possible, whilst showing as few effects as possible, for some reason. If you become drunk after too few alcoholic drinks, you "can't handle your drink" and you are a "lightweight". These are both negative characteristics in a person.

I'm not saying I necessarily agree with this, I'm just saying it exists :)

more a sad consequence of having to deal with british weather and men

Well, we've a minimum pricing per unit on alcohol, any kind of multipack deal is forbidden, and the licensing hours are such that it's easier to get yourself some bennies than it is to get a drink before lunchtime; need to plan your day around getting some booze in the house.

National drug policy should really be about minimising harm, with treatment and rehabilitation for addicts, but any kind of talk that isn't about stringing them all up is anathema to our circus of bawbags in Westminster.