Tynan,
I'm a good bit older than you. in my 40's and I started drinking and smoking and pot when I was 15. Back in my day, it was the "cool" thing to do and let me tell you I regret that I started drinking. Its great that you don't like it. I sure wish I didn't. If I didn't like it, think of all the countless drunken nights where I was sick, said things I didn't mean to say, plus drunken arguments and fights and a DUI I could've avoided plus all the money I could've saved. Great post and keep it up.