Disclaimer: I don't drink, but I am in no way telling anyone to not to drink alcoholic beverages. My advice would always be to drink in moderation, drink responsibly, and make sure you have trusted friends/a designated driver if you do choose to drink. Remember that you can always choose not to drink. If you are concerned that your drinking or a friend's drinking is out of control, please seek help.

Is it worth it?

Is it worth it to go out and get drunk to forget about the stresses of everyday life (such as our football team losing a game, school in general, work etc)?

Is it worth it when you wake up the next morning with a hangover?

Is it worth it when you're embarrassing yourself in front of your friends, roommates, significant others, your family, and complete strangers by being overly obnoxious, vomiting everywhere, starting a fight, being accused/convicted of sexually assaulting someone, killing people while you're driving under the influence, and/or passing out?

Is it worth it when you are written up and arrested by the police?

Is it worth it when your auto insurance rates skyrocket and you lose the privilege to drive for a few months or permanently?

Is it worth it when you have to go to the hospital and getting charged an astronomical amount for your medical bills?

Is it worth it when you receive an alcohol violation from an RA?

Is it worth it when you are getting kicked out of school or your dorm?

Is it worth it when your family is being torn apart because of your habits?

Is it worth it when your husband or wife files a divorce because they can't tolerate your behavior any longer?

Is it worth it when your doctor diagnoses you with cirrhosis, cancer because your drinking habits have messed up your vital organs?

It might be worth it in the short term, but definitely not in the long term...

I have to admit that I am very fortunate. I grew up in a strong, supportive family. Many other children that I know have not been as fortunate.

I have heard too many stories of families being torn apart by alcoholic adults who are in no means mature enough to be taking care of children. Many of these children end up repeating history by becoming alcoholics as well while many other children break the chains and pave a new future that is better for their future children. Being a daughter or a son of an alcoholic parent can really make or break a child.

I walk past this man who is probably in his forties or fifties who loiters around the bus stop sometimes on the way to PT. The morning has just barely begun and he's already going to town with a bottle of booze. Does he have a wife and kids at home that he needs to be supporting? Should he actually be at work like the normal hard-working American?

What's more scary is that I know someone in The School of Music that is an alcoholic. When I found out his name, I was actually not surprised at all. The kid has a reputation of acting crazy and being obnoxious. He seems to always be ditching classes and when he is present, he's never giving it 100% of his effort. I have never been a close friend of his: in fact, I rarely associate with this kid (which is probably a good thing). I am sure that his friends recognize that he needs help, but they probably have found persuasion to be a lost cause. It is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks.

Drinking to get drunk on a regular basis is not worth it. If you're stressed out, you should be looking for other ways to cope such as talking it out to your friends, a counselor, or a family member instead of heading to the nearest bar on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. You should try to associate yourself with people who will not pressure you to get drunk by playing drinking games, but with friends who encourage you in a positive way to treat yourself right. Also attending church on a regular basis and reading the Bible can help give you faith and hope to keep on going when times get tough.