I am currently trying to recover from alcoholism that began during graduate school. I am in in 6th year and I have been sober since July, with a few relapses. It is a really difficult environment that totally does foster alcoholism. At least in my world, you can get away with heavy drinking several times a week, and are actually praised at times for the ability.
Now, as I am trying to recover. I am not only sick of the life I have found myself in (although I am actively trying to change it) but also the project that I am still having to devout my time to, even though every thought of it reminds me of my alcoholism.
This is really hard. I do wish more people would address the culture of alcohol and acceptance in academia.