Altered states when drinking

Why is it that people change when they drink? Being in an altered state seems to make a person true feelings come out. It's truly baffling for me to bare witness to people under altered states. That is why I refrain from drinking although I have tasted wine and what not. I am at the other extreme of fearing that I will have an addiction,but my addiction is fear of drinking and losing control....lol. Just another one of my phobias which I will get into more later....lol. Until then I think I will pass on the altered states.