Judaism and Drinking

Alcohol consumption is a central part of almost every culture yet excessive alcohol has been the cause for much harm in most. Many religions prohibit alcohol consumption due to the harm it can cause.  Jews traditionally drank alcohol regularly in many Jewish ceremonies such as kiddush, havdallah and the Passover seder yet they tented to be less susceptible to alcoholism. What is the Jewish position on alcohol? Why is it so central to so many Jewish ceremonies and what does Judaism say about excessive drinking?