Why is alcohol seen to be "cool"?

[Calebark]

Practically any social situation these days, I need to explain why I don't want to drink - "no thanks" never seems to be enough.

Why is it so?

I'm fine getting buzzed (sometimes a bit more than buzzed), but I've never been drunk, nor do I wish to (family history and all), so I dgaf if someone doesn't drink due to personal issues, because a) I understand and b) it's not my place anyway. However, sometimes if someone says they're not drinking, I'll ask why so I can try to find a way around it if they want to drink (e.g. 'oh because I've got no way home so I'll drive' ---> 'dude, just crash at my place'). It's certainly not out of pure curiosity or malice.

Maybe I should go about it a better way?

[neverlookback]

Because people that drink alcohol feel that they're higher then everyone else

[Savas_P]

who said it was cool? I don't find it cool and my friends respect me for not drinking.