I never liked the way I felt when I "took the edge off". Even after my 2 recent surgeries, I opted out of the narcotics. I just don't like the way they make me feel. As for the booze - I started singing in bars, with 30 year old bandmates, when I was about 16, and I saw the effects that the booze had on the crowd, and the band. That's when I decided that it wasn't going to be a part of my life, especially my on stage life. C'mon ... I mean, how many other people pour a drink as soon as they get to work?
I realize my opinion is very much in the minority, and my business would suffer greatly without the sale of alcohol, but geeze - I don't get it. It's just not my cup of tea. Actually, TEA, is my cup of tea.
Drink up, my friend ... 'sall guud