I was brought up by strict parents. Both parents did not smoke, take alcohol or abuse drugs. They used to tell us about the bad issues of using the mentioned substances. They somehow subscribed to the temperance beliefs.
When I joined high school, I met classmates who came from families that had no problem with smoking or taking alcohol. These classmates were used to these substances. Because I wanted to fit in a group that some of my friends belonged, which we nicknamed “Macho” I conformed and started abusing these substances. But, I only smoked when my friends were present. When alone I could not use those substances.
When my father came to know about it he talked to me on a polite way and took me to a family counsellor, who helped me to overcome the group pressure.
