During this past summer, I've had two different friends tell me that they've stopped drinking because it began to get out of hand. Now, keep in mind, that neither of these people are actually old enough to drink.
On another front, I go to a school with a lot of singers. A large chunk of those singers have taken up smoking cigarettes every day; some only smoke when they're stressed or bored.
What I seem to be misunderstanding about these two groups of people is how they can do something that they know will hurt them. It took two of my friends horrible, drunk situations to reconsider how "cool" it is to be completely and totally trashed to the point where you can't controll yourself. And I am certain all those smoking singers might wake up one day and not have a voice to sing with. By smoking they are not only destroying their health, but also, killing what they hope to be their source of income. I'm talking about jazz singers who actually need some sort of vocal talent to survive in the music industry. What's it going to take to stop them from smoking? The sudden developement of a smokers cough? How about when someone they know gets lung cancer?
I know I'm coming down fairly hard and I hope no one takes any offense. If you want to smoke, go ahead. If you want to drink, do so. But know that everything has a consequence. So please don't run around acting ignorant of it until you bites you in the butt!
"But I didn't know drinking would make me pee on myself!" Well, those are the breaks kid... those are the breaks....
~Musicjunkie
P.S. I named this "The Abuse of Vices" because, obviously, I'm talking about the two vices of smoking and drinking, and the point of this isn't to say that you can't indulge in these things, but rather, you shouldn't ABUSE these habits because they will effect you badly in the long run. Cool? COOL!
YAY!!!!!! 
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I've got my own scary drunk story, complete with consequences. Here's the highlights:
First semester of freshmen year, I was good, and didn't drink at all. Then, I came back from Christmas, where my Mom had kept me stressed out 24/7, and decided it was time to get drunk. And I did. I went to the club with three friends. It was only my second time ever to really drink, and I drank myself under the table. We're talking sick all the way home, and it was cold, raining, just all-around nasty. Then, my asthma kicked in, and I began hyper-ventilating uncontrollably. If it's never happened to you, pray that it doesn't, because it's scary enough when your sober. Long story short, the next time I tasted alcohol, it nearly made me sick. Ever since then, I'm a wine-cooler kinda girl, because I was so traumatized by what happened after my binge that I have a subconscious mental block on alcohol and have an instant gag reflex if what I drink is too strong.
Hence, consequences. Honestly, it's not a bad thing to have happened, because it keeps me moderate. I catch a lot of crap from my used-to drinking buddies, but I can handle them. :)
-Inept
"You have a unique voice, so bravely verbalize your thoughts and opinions. The only person that can stop you is yourself."
Woah, that is a crazy story! I'm glad you're ok :) I've never had asthma, but I have seen it in action. It's scary enough just watching it >.<
but yeah, I've been trying to keep the drinking at a moderate level, which is hard sometimes (yay, college), so I'm pretty much getting a lot of crap from my friends as well.
yeah....i enjoy drinking with my friends occasionally, but usually in moderation. people need to realize that there's a difference between having fun and being a moron.
--stacie