Clean, Sober and High

I’m part of a generation that is consumed by society. Honestly. A college campus is a perfect example.  Take a look around and it’s not hard to see that we are so defined by the world we live in. Style, clothing, trends, images, ideas, beliefs and the list goes on.  

Part of this is the image that it’s cool to drink, and smoke and do drugs.  Though some people may regret it later, it’s perfectly fine for someone underage to go out to a bar and consume enough alcohol so that they don’t remember what happened the next day.  Or perhaps you really like to smoke pot because it’s cool and it’s what all of your friends do to hang out.

I would like to announce that I am not one of these people. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I don’t get involved in illegal activities.

My parents raised me on the ideals of having a clean mind, body and spirit.  The way they put it is that I only have this one body for my entire lifetime and there is really no reason to pollute it.  It’s like the Earth.  We all live on this planet and we pollute it every day. And day by day, it becomes a worse place to live than it was to begin with.  I can’t do that to myself.  Call it what you may, but it sounds a lot like self harm to me.  

I don’t see the point. I never have and I probably never will. (If you are dead set on changing this about me, it is better to give up now.)  I have heard so many stories from friends, classmates, even college kids just walking from point A to B on campus.  They say things like “That party last night was awesome bro. I got so "messed" up I don’t even remembered what happened.”  Wait. Stop. Rewind. And pause.  You are telling me that you had a great time drinking and partying like a rock star with your friends, but you don’t REMEMBER any of it. I’m truly confused.  If you can’t comprehend what happened last night, how do you know if it was or wasn’t “totally awesome dude”?

I have talked to some of my friends who make a point to go out and party every weekend.  Some of them look at me like I'm crazy, stupid or both for not participating in said festivities.  I ask them why they choose to.  I have received various answers that can be categorized into certain topics.  The first is that it's just what their friends do when they hang out.  So when hanging out with your pals it's assumed that substance consumption will be present? Others insist that partying is loads of fun and a definite good time.  What entertains me the most is those people who are determined to have a good time which actually involves getting wasted or high beyond belief.  If you can't remember last night the next morning, I feel like your motivated efforts were in vain. 


I try not to judge people for the actions when it comes to substance.  To each his (or her) own. But if you are acting like a slobbering drunken idiot vomiting over a toilet I'm probably going to question your justification for participation.


I realize now that I was never introduced to this culture, as it were. My friends and I always found ways of entertaining ourselves that didn't involve substance. We just tried to have found and called in shenanigans. That's what I'm most grateful for now.  The fact that we don't need beer or pot to have a good time.  Sober conversation is much more stimulating anyway. 


In writing this I didn't intend to bash anyone or their choices or means of entertainment.  I just wanted to shed a little light from a perspective that isn't always considered. And I ask that you respect the fact that I choose to live differently and can speak freely about it.  Judgement isn't necessary or desired.  But if you would like to talk about this cultural topic, my ears are open.


One last thought:
If global warming can slowly kill off the polar bears, alcohol and drugs can do the same to you.
It's called pollution.






Stay Excellent.
-E-