[Tasaio]

It sounds to me like you're interested in learning about the science and culture of alcohol, rather than the experience of consuming it. Good for you. You're well ahead of most people your age.

I recommend that you research alcohol in detail before trying it. Read about the negative health effects. Read stories of struggling alcoholics.

People may mention the supposed health benefit of consuming red wine, but this has been refuted by scientists. The negatives outway the positives by a large degree.

. . .

You aren't alone in having never consumed alcohol. Some of the most successful people live alcohol-free lives.

And as mentioned, there are plenty of abstemious orders of monks and priests. Notice how relaxed Buddhist priests are, without needing to consume alcohol?

Interestingly, there are minute amounts of alcohol in Coke Cola. But I wouldn't worry about that amount destroying brain cells.

. . .

Originally Posted by Wanderer

This may be a tad contrivertial (sp) but ...
I would say try it.

Check out Wanderer's profile.

He's eighteen; three years younger than you are, jamestl2.

Be careful when taking advice from someone who doesn't know how to spell "controversial".

Its a good feeling. And it does help you to relax, I often go on nights out and don't drink, because I can relax without it. Sometimes though I do drink, and I relax with it.

It also feels good when you're high on cocaine. At first.

But that good feeling comes at a cost. Both alcohol and cocaine will destroy brain cells and cause massive internal damage.

I haven't tried smoking, or harder drugs (e.g. weed) as they're addictive,

Alcohol is also addictive. Very much so. Studies have shown that, in many ways, cannabis is less harmful than alcohol. (Although both have negative effects and should preferably be avoided altogether.)

but as I haven't tried them, I don't feel qualified to comment when people talk about them. E.g. I can say you don't need to drink to have a good time, but I won't say why don't you just stop smoking, because I haven't done it.

I think it's something that needs to be experienced to be understood. Rather like any other drug.

What absolute rubbish.

You don't have to know what a hangover feels like to know that alcohol intake destroys brain cells and causes catastrophic liver damage.

You don't need to try LSD, ecstasy or heroin to learn why they're dangerous. Are you honesty telling me you wouldn't warn kids off serious drugs because you haven't experienced them yourself?

Yes it's fun, no it's not necessary, but you'll probably learn quite a lot. Why not.

I'd take my chances and forego this particular learning opportunity. There are better, more interesting things to learn that don't destroy your liver.