I searched for a sxe thread, and found it.
I was straight edge for about 3 years, by personal choice. I never associated with straightedge scene kids of any sort. I just was tired of feeling like I had to have a constant stock of booze to fit into the middle class norms. Sounds ironic, but it's true. Even the Christian friends I have drink, and get a little cock-eyed that I would choose not to at a house party. Most of them (largely hipsters) don't really care and are happy to overlook that fact.
I have noticed that punks or travelers are a bit wierded out that I didn't want a cigarette, some pot or a drink. One time I was even asked/told "What kind of traveler doesn't drink?" Them kids ended up being pretty nice, but it's an obstacle I have to face. I have come to understand that a lot of them kids conjur up images of jerk asshole sxe kids who will beat them up under the bridge. that's dumb, and something that I wouldn't want to associate with.
On the other hand, when you have any ideals that distinguish you a bit from the norm, identity is a temtping think to take on. I think it can be a good or bad thing. I found it helped me hold myself accountable. If people knew I was the soberist guy at any party, they'd stopped asking me why I'm drinking a soda or brough a fruit juice to the part. It can also be annoying if it strictly defines who you will hang out with -- the in-group out-group dynamic leads to a lot of violence and aggression in the world.
Anyways, my drug-free stint was a temporary experiment mostly. I just felt like I could save a lot of money spent on unnecessary consumption that I didn't notice as contributing to a better life. And even when people were kind enough to offer me a beer, I knew that I would not have a beer on hand to reciprocate with later. And I didn't want to be a beer drain on other people. That's annoying. I honestly don't like it that much to pay what it costs. Also, despite the relationships and and good times that can and have been had during the consumption of alcohol, I don't see where in our history the consumption of alcohol has been a particularly good development. Someone mentioned they drank because they realized people everywhere in history have always drank. I guess if you start by idealizing primitive people entirely, and work outward from there, their consumption of alcohol seems ideal. But there's no reason to think it was entirely a good thing for them. Just like war and violence. Considering that FASD and effects in children were only discovered in the last decade or two, imagine how many children were messed up by drinking. And I have 3 adopted/foster nephews/niece that have FASD and daily struggles as a result, so I've thought more than once or twice about the overall contribution of alcohol to life on planet earth. So I'm reacting to the addicted over-consuming cases...true. But for those who drink relatively little, if alcohol had never existed, how do you figure our existence would be any less enjoyable? I'm thinking if anything, we'd have been forced to deal with out issues. A good thing. Now, that said, remember that it was a personal choice. In a dry town holding referendums for-or-against the sale of alcohol at all, it was my non-statist vote against alcohol. I have no problems with people who drink or do a few drugs, I just prefer to hang out with people who can open up and have a good conversation while sober.
After a pretty awesome 3 years of no drinky, I decided to allow myself some moderate alcohol since January 1st this year. It's been ok. I've table scored a lot of free wine from various event, got drunk once, decided to tone it down last night a bit at a wedding. Though I enjoy the freedom I give myself to have some drinks when they're completely free without strings attached, I find myself actually paying $3.25 for a tall can of the cheapest thing at the vendor. Honestly, I wish i would have kept that for something else. Maybe give it to an immigrant mother who needs to provide for her children or something. OR use it towards my next adventure or buying a fixed blade knife or whatever...save it so I have to spend 1/3 of an hour less working to get through school. Ultimately I guess I have different priorities. Whatever. It's been good to remind myself what alcohol is like and the pros and cons, etc. At this point, I'd say I will gradually lose interest in alcohol again. Or at least stick to drinking whatever I brew up myself.
Sorry, this ended up being pretty reflective. Take what you can from it. I can relate a lot to the original poster and xbocax. Pretty good dicussion here too, save for the string of generic "don't be self-righteous, just use moderation" posts that really aren't saying anything.
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