drunkeness?

[theculturewarrior]

is drinking a few too many beers a grave sin?

I read the catechism and it didn't seem to indicate that it was.

[cappie]

Intoxication that ends in a partial loss of reason is a venial sin.
Intoxiation that ends in complete loss of reason is a mortal sin if brought about without sufficient reason. Complete loss of reason is presumed in him who can no longer distinguish between good from bad, or if, after the drunkenness has passed he cannot remember what he said or did while under the influence, or if he does a thing he would not do when sober.

A sufficient reason would be to cure a disease or to conteract blood poisioning where use of alcohol is used. Merely to "drive away the blues" is not adequate reason.