I am of European descent and I don't have the ALDH2 deficiency problem. However, I suffer from serious rosacea. This condition has similar symptoms as ALDH2. My face turns tomato-red when I drink any kind of alcohol. Wine is the worst culprit. After two bottles of beer, my face goes into a nasty flush. I can handle vodka and gin a little better for some odd reason. Bottom line: I don't look so good when I have a drink in my hand.
Fortunately, consuming alcohol only gives me bad cosmetic effects (redness, swelling and occasional pimples). Drinking alcohol has serious health effects in addition to the uncomfortable cosmetic appearance for those with the Asian blush.
We rosaceans flush to almost everything though: caffeinated beverages, warm rooms, cold air, spicy foods, foods with high sugar and carbohydrate content, hot showers, excessive anxiety or panic, and of course--alcohol. Be thankful that you do not have this skin condition. I have permanent redness on my face and neck area because of the constant daily flushes. Not to mention, I am a male in my 30s and my face still breaks out like I was 16 all over again. Rosacea is very prevalent in people with Northern European ancestry (that includes me). At least 15-20 million Americans have rosacea to some degree. But I know from my research that a small population of people of Eastern Asian heritage also have symptoms of rosacea. It wouldn't surprise me if these people confuse rosacea with the ALDH2 problems.
Rosaceans use various treatment methods: laser treatments on the skin, antibiotics, anti-pustule skin creams, beta-blockers, anti-allergen medications, anti-hypertension meds, daily sunscreen application, and try to avoid as many flushing triggers as possible.
Anyway, I sympathize with you guys. There is nothing "cute" about someone's cheeks burning and turning fire-engine red. I hope medical science can cure your condition soon. Who knows, perhaps research in ALDH2 deficiency can lead to promising treatments for rosacea sufferers like me.