I really liked what Madisgram wrote about what to consider about where we are at mentally about drinking.

Using drugs & alcohol in the past are warning signs. People talking to you about their concerns about your drinking is a warning sign.

From repetative experience trying to 'control' my drinking, heavier use would always follow. Heavier use...major warning sign.

And, my main concern for you relates to personal experiences that I still go through! Your 21 and legal to drink now. It is way easier for you to get alcohol and hence use more. And, there is the mental satisfaction of being old enough to drink now. It's cool. We couldn't wait to get there!! Becoming of age is a 'right' and something we long for in throughout our teenage years!

Story: Just yesterday, I was sitting in the grocery store parking lot in my car waiting for my neighbor to finish her shopping. I had seen someone get out of a nice jeep. She went in and shortly came out with a case in her hand. She was my age (40's). I immediately became jealous. She was living the life that I used to really think was cool and the way to live. Sporty car, alcohol, watch a game on tv, hang out with others and 'kick it up' etc. I actually thought about the fact that I am old enough to drink and could go buy alcohol too. The stigma still lies within me after 2 and a 1/2 years without it.

But then, I remembered, why do I need to drink alcohol in the first place?
Important to keep an openmind.