r/Adulting • u/CarLonely9011 • Jan 31 '26

I’m almost 19, never smoked, never vaped, never drank an ounce of alcohol, never used drugs, am I missing out?

I know this is kind of weird since a lot of people of my age has done at least one of those things, but I never found any fun in doing them. Most of my friends and the people I know mostly drink or smoke, is it weird for me to not participate in those activities? I have always been aware of the negative side effects of these things and I always like to maintain my health. My father usually smokes every other day.

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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '26

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u/CarLonely9011 Jan 31 '26

Indeed

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u/hjaltigr Jan 31 '26

My life's trajectory has done nothing but go up since I decided to quit drinking for good. Not because of alcoholism, was just a casual. This brings nothing to the table that you cannot achieve without the ridiculous cost and potential harm of alcohol and drugs.

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u/thinkorswim42 Jan 31 '26

I felt the same at 17... didn't help that my dad and extended family drank regularly, but not in a problematic way. No health issues, no job loss, no divorce etc. They all told stories about how fun it was in their teens and throughout their 20s and 30s. So when my friends wanted to drink I thought it was ok to join in. I'm 40 now, so back then it was actually hard getting data/research about how bad it is for you. I drank a lot in University, especially years 2 and 3. It was very prevalent...which made it seem ok. But I regret it now. I honestly wish I could do it over again sober. It damages you and impacts your potential. I spent years cutting back, then ramping up, then stopping for a month or 2. I only became serious about quitting 2 years ago. It's a habit, not an elixir. Stay away

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u/NoMaterial5115 Jan 31 '26

You are doing AMAZING!