I went through a period for a couple years that I look back on realize how many problems alcohol caused me. The saddest part was that I wasn't even legally old enough to drink. I stayed pretty shitface almost all the time. It sucked because I thought I was having fun, but in actuality, I can't remember half of my nights. I stopped drinking for the most part in December, but I still do every now and then. Alcohol isn't bad as long as you can control yourself and not drink too much.

I think it's awesome that you don't drink. I wish I had had that perception about 3 years ago.

One other thing about my past drug use is similar to you not drinking alcohol. I have always despised cocaine, meth, and other similar "uppers". It's mostly because I've seen to many friends and family members fuck up their lives with it. It's always been around, in large, free quantities, but I never tried it. I'm pretty proud of myself for that.