DEAR AMY: When I started college last fall, I was nervous about making the transition from high school. I was fortunate to find a good group of friends in the first week of school. Throughout the year, though, my friends started trying drugs and alcohol. I totally get it—we’re young and college is the time in life to experiment. The thing is, I feel as though it has gone past the point of “experimenting” and into the realm of recklessness. They are smoking pot at least twice a week and drinking heavily on weekends. Because I’ve chosen to abstain from both, I’ve noticed a definite disconnect from my friends. While they’re out doing their thing, I’m pretty much on my own. I ended up going home most weekends this year because I was so sick of sitting in my dorm room by myself. I miss my friends and the good times we had before all this. It’s gotten to the point where I just don’t know what to do.
— SOBER AND SOLO
DEAR SOBER: Obviously, you need some new friends. The nice thing about college is that there is a ton of groups to join and activities to engage in. Your college probably has a cappella groups, a film society, a yoga club and a literary magazine. It is work to get involved, be busy and meet new people, but it is worth it.
Most colleges also have dorms for students who choose to abstain from drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Contact your school’s housing office to see what you can do about your living situation.
The environment you’ve been living in is toxic, and once you change it, you’ll see a definite improvement in your personal situation. I applaud your choice to abstain, and I know there are other students out there who share your values. You just need to find them.
TODAY’S HOROSCOPES / JERALDINE
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Sidestep arguments and work diligently to maintain the peace.