Overrated Alcohol

I wouldn't say I'm morally against alcohol, I can see why people drink but I think the reasons why they do, say something about society today. You've just turned 18, drinking is great, you're out all night having a good time and I've got no disrespect for the people that do that. I love a good night out, I drink for fun,  but I don't drink if I have problems in my life because I find the problem gets worse. Alcohol in the past has affected me but I try not to let it change my personality so I'm the same person either way. Some people drink if they are sad? or angry? or worried? The worst case is if people drink because they are with others that are socially "awkward". You've got no idea how much i hate the word awkward. A situation is only awkward if you say it is. What does that say about us if the only way we can have a decent conversation is if we are drunk? I live a long way from anywhere so quite often I drive on a night out and as long as I'm with a person I know and love then I'll have a great time. The reason I bring this up is because some of my friends are not themselves when they are drunk and it's not nice to see them that way. People under the influence aren't being realistic. Alcohol isn't real life. It turns people into something they are not, which may seem good at the time and yes we use it to get over life's troubles but it is temporary protection against something that will inevitably come round again in the future.