George, I don't think it is for no reason that Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
Eph 5:15 See, then, how exactly ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil; 17 because of this become not fools, but--understanding what is the will of the Lord, 18 and be not drunk with wine, in which is dissoluteness, but be filled in the Spirit, 19 speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the God and Father;...
Getting drunk is an example of giving over oneself to another influence. Those who have been drunk have a slight edge in understanding this, in the same way that people who have had sex understand better becoming one with another person, and the bride/bridegroom relationship of Christ and His people.
It's interesting to me in those verses that the life under the influence of the Spirit is characterized by some of the same things that characterize a time of influence under alcohol. There have been many times (the drive home after the Nashville Conference being the latest) where I am caught up in the Spirit, speaking to myself in Psalms and spiritual songs, making melody in my heart to the Lord, giving thanks for all things. This isn't just from following a commandment. It flows out of a heart being influenced by the Spirit of God and is 'social' in the sense of fellowship with Him.
I am not equating 'drunkeness' with being full of the Spirit...in what ways they are similar, the first leads to dissipation and foolishness, the latter to wisdom and understanding. Nor am I equating being full of the Spirit with 'drunkeness' as some of our more pentacostal friends exhibit.
I hope that answers your query.