Left Hand of Darkness surprised me, it was really good- i tried to read it years back and couldnt get past the slow politics in the beginning, but audiobook format helped. Tehanu was just stunning. I love how her books always hook me with an interesting plot, then leave me just sitting quietly, contemplating how I can be a more empathetic person. Her ability to show the value in people, even flawed ones is just amazing. I think my favorite read by her lately is The Lathe of Heaven.
I haven’t done formal research on the topic, but as far as I can see this is correct- alcohol just lowers your inhibitions and makes you more suggestable, therefore easier to influence by your enviroment- you’re way more likely to be depressed and sipping whiskey slowly by yourself than partying with Coronas with lime.
It would be interesting to look at regional ideas of what different alcohols are appropriate for and see if the “effects” change with it