<p>To summarize my position and then duck out.</p>
<p>If I were speaking to a young person I would say that driniking alcohol is a personal choice. Many people find great enjoyment in it and do it repsonsibly. If you are one of these people, that’s great. Similarly, for most drugs - many people are able to use some drugs responsibly, with the following caveat - drugs are illegal, and this can lead to problems you might not encounter with alcohol. Employers may view drugs differently than alcohol, and sometimes you have to deal with a slightly seedier crowd to obtain drugs. Also some drugs are probably worse than others. Alcohol and drugs are best used in moderation.</p>
<p>Finally, if you do not feel any desire to drink or use drugs, that is your choice as well. It is not necessarily a better or worse choice - it is a personal choice. Just remember you can do exactly as well in life, and accomplish exactly the same things as someone who chooses to drink in moderation. THere is absolutely no intrinsic benefit to drinking that you cannot overcome with other personal qualities.</p>
<p>You don’t have to abstain to succeed in any career. You don’t have to drink to succeed in any chosen career. It doesn’t matter. Period. And if it matters, find another career.</p>