I agree with your post. But one thing I noticed and with some comments.
Taking a sip isn't trying it!
If you want to understand why people drink or smoke, you are going to have to get drunk or high!
Good post though, not drinking is definitely better for your health than drinking. But people who take a sip and go "gawd I don't know why people drink", well, that is because you didn't drink :/
Just thought I would point out to people who have "taken a sip" or "whif of smoke" but didn't get high or drunk, you tasted it. You didn't try out the effects!
People like the taste of alcohol and smell of pot because those things are now associated with the EXPERIENCE that they bring.
I'm not advocating trying it, just saying if you want to understand it you need to experience it :). Then step back, choose not to drink, but accept those that do and understand why instead of being condescending :D