Why Are My Friends Drinking? Facing a Problem Many Others Have as Well

Once I was done with my last final Spring semester, I couldn't wait to head home, enjoy the freedom associated with every student's favorite phrase ("No homework!"), and catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a while.

They say college changes people. Many for the worse.

When I first got home, I had a lot of stuff to do- visit one friend's new apartment, stomp everyone else at a few games of Halo 3, and find out how their first year of college went. But once the formalities were taken care of, I began to notice a problem, particularly in the recounting of "fun" times for my friends: There was always alcohol.

I for one dislike the stuff, and consider my body as a temple, thus I shouldn't put any substance that could damage my body in it. But I can't stand people who drink to get drunk. And especially when they're underage.

Today I spent quite a few hours on the computer, sitting at home, alone, and relatively bored. Tonight, it'll be more of the same, just with the family nearby. Meanwhile, I happen to know that group of people will be having a great time tonight at that same apartment, playing Xbox and Wii while most of them have a glass or two.

What to do?

It's a classic case the faces many college students when they come home. Suddenly, everything they once knew has changed. Life at home is already a difficult transition, having to live with the family again, not having complete freedom, etc. But if there's changes in the "escape from the house" then everything can come crashing down.

The way I see it, there's 3 options:

Stick to my morals and avoid the situations where I'll be pressured- Obviously, this is the safest route. I can still hang out with my friends, just not at times when they'll all be together at, say, that apartment. I can still go around to everyone's place and hang out while playing some games, but the nightlife will definitely suffer.

Head out and enjoy the time with friends, but keep an escape plan handy at all times- The middle-of-the-road suggestion. Yeah, heading out and hanging out is great, and I can see a ton of friends at the same time. But enjoying their company may or may not happen, because I only control my own actions. And there could possibly be the pressure to drink, and if untrustworthy people are around then who knows what could ensue?

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em- The inclusive method. Having a couple fits me right in, no questions asked, and I probably have a good time hanging out with the gang. But the phrase "Once you pop the fun don't stop" may not apply to just Pringles, because once the drinks are flowing anything could happen, especially with people who have drank to get buzzed. I've heard stories.

I'm certainly following option #1, as it's gotten me this far unscathed and I don't feel comfortable around some people that'll be there just because of the opportunity to drink. Although at times I'll be bored out of my mind, it's better then what could happen if I head out. If you've been to college, you've heard a few tales of students making mistakes or just straight up puking everywhere. My question is simply this: Since when has anything good come from a party with alcohol as a main draw?

For anyone with the same problem, I advise this: Stick to what you know. Just because your friends are doing it doesn't mean you have to take up what they're doing. This applies to more than just drinking, but you get my point. Find other options- I'm sure since they're your friends, some will be more than willing to tag along for something other than getting wasted. As for me, I think I'll call a couple of buddies and see who wants to go play Guitar Hero in the middle of Best Buy- the start of another adventure?