| Personally, I've seen so many people messed up by drugs that it really bothers me when I see others doing them. I don't look down on them - it's more that it pains me to see them hurting themselves without concern for the consequences. I know that some people spiral out of control and find it very hard to quit, but those who do drugs just for the fun of it, just for the rush, just to seem cool, really upset me. There are definitely ways to have fun and party without drugs. In fact, I would rather have some recollection of what happened the night before...
In terms of alcohol, I find that if people drink in moderation (i.e. not too much in one night and not every night) and in safe environments that there is nothing really terribly wrong with it. In Europe, where the drinking age is significantly lower (or non-existent), drinking is more of a social practice rather than a hard-core, let's get as drunk as possible practice. People there go out for a few beers or cocktails, have fun, and are responsible for themselves and their friends. This seems much more appealing and healthy to me than what happens in the US. When I see Americans becoming so drunk and so out of control, yes, it bothers me, but I certainly do not look down on them. This is the age where there are few things tying you down and this is your chance to have a good time. While I firmly believe that "a good time" does not need to involve alcohol, I recognize that for some it is a preferred social practice. I definitely realize that alcohol can have detrimental effects on one's brain function (especially in the long term), which is why I stress moderation and safe environments.
Finally, I find smoking disgusting. I would never choose to smoke because I really don't see the appeal of it and because I recognize that the health and financial consequences can be grave. |