Although I don't have a problem with other people drinking, because it is their choice and they can do whatever they want, I do have a problem with the way western society has turned to believe that the only way to have fun and socialize is through drinking (even if you don't get drunk, holding a can of beer automatically "fits you in"). It is at a point where I have trouble finding people who share the same beliefs as me, and every event that my friends go to involve everyone drinking and socializing through alcohol. Although many individuals here claim that they drink in moderation, society as a whole does not. It really sucks when you're wondering what to do on a Saturday night when everyone you know is out drinking or going to clubs and drinking there too (why not go to the club and just dance?) I really wish there were more people out there who "drink in moderation", but the truth is, there aren't. Must I be forced through society to start consuming alcohol in order to socialize? Everything in moderation is alright, but drinking has become a way of the western life rather than a means of simple "enjoyment".

What do you mean, "become"? Drinking (sometimes to excess) has been a way of life for thousands of years. The amount people in the West drink nowadays isn't at all spectacular, by historical standards. Don't act like this is some recent phenomenon.

But it is? Go back before the WWII era and although drinking was common, it was nowhere near as widespread as it is now (especially among teens). And thousands of years ago, only those who were rich and in power drank as a way of life; most people never did due to not having access to it. Alcohol nowadays has become very easy to obtain and is even easier for youngsters to get involved with it, thus it has grown into people's lives more. Hell, go travel to a country where alcohol is banned due to religious reasons and you'll see the wide amount of shops that sell alcohol. The reason is because alcohol is more accessible; about a few years ago that wasn't the case.

I'm also not putting down anyone who drinks as I clearly stated that I don't have an issue with people drinking. Don't take this personally.

You're completely wrong. Alcoholism was seen as a serious social problem amongst the working classes in Victorian Britain (just one example). In mediaeval England (and probably throughout northern Europe) a huge proportion of an average person's daily calories came from beer. Alcohol was so widely consumed that genes for alcohol tolerance were selected for in Northern Europe; people actually evolved to be able to handle alcohol better. There was even special beer for children (which was about 3% ABV, rather than the 10% that adults drank back then)

In France and much of central Europe in the 19th century, absinthe was banned because it was causing serious health problems for the general population.

Even as far back as ancient Greece, alcohol was cheap and its effects (including fights in the tabernas) were a frequent source of comedy.

In fact, at many points in European history, most people drank nothing but wine or beer (depending on their country), because water was dirty and dangerous; they often mixed the wine with the water because alcohol gave a small amount of protection against bacteria. Granted, this made it weaker, but they were still consuming a lot of alcohol.

I think you should phone up your history teacher and ask for a refund.

I agree in most parts with you. You do not want to become a part of this, but at the same time, peer pressure can be so hard that it forces you to drink alcohol too in order to be a part of the society. Drinkin in moderation is okay, but being wasted and losing control over yourself is pathetic and disgusts me. We should not wonder about the rising amount of alcohol intoxications when media exemplifies a "funny" life by drinking alcohol.

I used to drink all the time,but I don't that much anymore. everyonce in awhile I'll have a mix drink at a food place. There's nothing wrong with drinking every now and again,as long as you don't over due it. This pretty much applies with anything.

Right, go making things up :P

It's incredibly naive that when people tell you guys "I drink because it's fun" you turn that into "I drink because that's the only way for me to have fun".

Please, we're on a gaming forum. Why the hell to you think us drinkers play games? Because of their high levels of alcohool? Because of their numbing proprieties? It's not like all of us play Duke Nuken or MMORPGs.

Lots of people who drink also play sports, watch tv, play games, hang out without alcohool, go to movies, etc. They entertain themselves just as well as you guys do most of the time without being inhebriated or counting the minutes until their next drink. Just climb out of your holes and you'll notice that :)

I don't see what's the fun in lots of things. Most times you're actually looking for the fun in the wrong place. You may not understand the fun other people have from the outside, doesn't mean they're somehow wrong in having that fun.

Well, there's something as appropriate behavior. If you're among a bunch of drunkards and you're sober you're the missplaced one. Now if one of these drunkards get drunk between people trying to be "serious" and sober, then he's wrong. Either way it says nothing about drinking or not per se. 

Thanks for the history lesson, but you're alienating from my original point of alcohol consumption becoming widespread in this society. I took the liberty of finding some sources for you that claim alcohol consumption in fact is increasing. I really don't get why you're arguing against this, because it is clearly obvious that people are drinking more alcohol now and even at younger ages. There are many factors, but this increase in alcohol consumption in the west is also affecting countries in the east that are developing. Like I said earlier, alcohol consumption is increasing in other nations due to easier access to it. However, since the focus of my point is on western nations, I took the liberty of doing a simple google search and finding many studies that indicate alcohol consumption is increasing. You can argue all you want, but it is fairly evident within society that consumption is increasing, especially due to population growth and economical issues.

Alcohol consumption increasing among girls/women:
http://www.keystonetreatment.com/keystone_featured/alcohol-consumption-increasing-among-girls-young-women.php

Alcohol consumption increasing in Great Britain (bringing health issues):
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3333411/Alcohol-consumption-doubles-since-the-1960s.html

Alcohol consumption increasing in the US:
http://www.alcoholismrehab.org/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-consumption-increasing-among-americans/

Binge drinking increasing among individuals in the US:
http://brookstonbeerbulletin.com/alcohol-consumption-on-the-rise/

Take these as you will, but it is clear in my mind that alcohol consumption, and the peer pressures associated with it are on a rise.

EDIT: Not to mention, media influences are also factors in rising alcohol consumption. Also, the strength of the industry now also plays a big role.

I agree. I have nothing against people who drink (all of my friends do) but the peer pressure associated with it (like you said) make it difficult to feel comfortable in many social events. Heck, I think I know now what it feels like to be a vegetarian for those who are lol. Everyone munching on a big ol' steak while you're stuck with the salad. Haha! 

Why, that is the most unbiased poll I've ever seen!

...honestly though? To loosen up. At least I do. Apparently I'm really funny and friendly when I'm tipsy, that's what people say.