It’s a little different when you make the decision not to drink against your own peer group’s habits vs. when you’re forced to decide that based on what your group tells you. The latter are also much more likely to “cheat.”
Trump’s kids grew up so well in part because he taught them to stay away from drugs and alcohol from an early age. If I recall, Gore, Biden, Jeb, Fiorina, and others all have children or nephews/nieces who’ve had bad drug problems.
Now, Trump’s brother died of alcoholism and Cruz’s half-sister died of drug abuse. Strange coincidence for the 2 front-runners.
http://www.people.com/article/donald-trump-brother-fred-death-alcoholism
I am a case in point. I am now every party or outing's designated driver! {^) I drink vicariously these days.
That said, I don't particularly admire teetotalers unless they have a real reason not to drink. I wish I didn't have to be one, but it's like an allergy. If I didn't have it, I'd partake with the rest of the gang. I'm just one of the unlucky ones who got this thing of not being able to handle it. I'm allergic -- I break out in handcuffs. So I quit -- simple solution to the problem.
I can't say I admire folks like me so much as understand them. When I see people who become teetotalers for other reasons ... I generally remain indifferent.