^ what is this, born-again straighty-one-eighty lecture time?
i think beat narrative makes a really interesting point about how being unhappy in your job - or not being challenged by it - can lead to addiction. in his case, it was a shitty job - in mine i think it was partially a shitty relationship.
not to blame anyone but myself, but it's easier to fall into bad habits when you are not getting the most out of life, or when you feel trapped.
i don't think he's saying "now i'm studying, i can get wasted" he's saying "now that i'm not addicted and just using occasionally, it actually gets me high again". in other words, he's kicked his addiction and is living more of a sober existence.
it kinda sounds like you're telling him how to live his life without actually knowing the details.
this cat is really turning it around, and deserves to be congratulated and encouraged.
it is very common for people in this day and age to do things to escape the reality of their existence. whether it is drugs, alcohol, food, television, narcissism or whatever, people do all kinds of things to get them through the day.
if you are stuck in an unfulfilling job that you devote all your time to (to pay the rent, to afford to eat, survive, etc) then you may be susceptible to succumbing to addictive behaviours - but that is one of the realities of the modern world and the temptations that we face.
hell, i have a great job that i love, am educated - but i also have a habit. i don't beat myself up about it, i manage it as best i can.
it doesn't mean you have fucked your life up or made big mistakes - it can just act as an indicator that it's time you reassessed your priorities and tried something new. people often blame drug use on the problems people have, but often it is just a symptom of frustration.