Saying Yes or No to alchohol , smoking etc

Teenagers often are faced with the dilemma. When some friends offer / suggest smoking or drinking. Saying no requires a justification at that age it seems!!!!

Rationalising that my parents disapprove is considered "sissy"

Reasoning that I am not interested - sounds you are not adventurous

Taking the route that all information & studies direct that these are injurious to health may be laughed at - that you are missing the fun.

So many a teenager give in to such peer pressure . Why ??? for being accepted by the others!!!

Now lets view it from the point of the decision making process.

Do we do what others tell us?

Or just to be part of the crowd / for social acceptance?

Or just follow our heart?

Well lets view it from the point of what is RIGHT in alcohol consumption / smoking & answer the following :

Do all people we idealise do it

Do all successful people do it

Does drinking & smoking make people famous or better people

Is it recommended as a TO DO

Will it do good to individual and society.

But if the answers to the above does not reflect it as the right thing , then for sure it is wrong

So how does one decide???

Making the right choice???

People who drink & smoke think that joy & relaxation is the result. Joy or relaxation cannot be obtained from outside...it is to be awakened within us.