Oh, I don't know if I turned out alright, however, I am clean and sober now. I am very familiar with your situation. In some ways it is the story of my life. I also tried drugs and for one reason or another never really got into them. I preferred drinking. That was my thing, drinking. I still have a lot of friends that drink and take drugs. They, too, respect my choices. I also have a lot of clean and sober friends. If I am in a bad space, I avoid being around people that are using and stay close to my sober friends.

As for drinking and drug use being part of the artistic life style, many people in many walks of life would say the same thing about their chosen career. Fisherman, welders, mechanics, salesman, accountants, etc. the list could go on and on, would say that it is part and parcel of the job. The truth is that there is a lot of people in these fields that are not drinkers or drug users. We just tend to gravitate towards the people that are like ourselves and it appears everyone is like us.

Will you start using because of your addict friends? If you use, I don't think it will be because of your addict friends. If you do it will be because you choose to start using. You may blame them, however, it will be your choice. You are lucky to have tried drugs and not to have become addicted. I would suggest not tempting fate.

It sounds like you are in a good position. You have supportive and accepting friends, and your common law wife is not a drug user. Your neighborhood leaves something to desire, but, hey, we all make our choices.

The one part of your question that did raise concern is where you say, "you thought you had a stronger will and then caved". It makes me wonder if you are craving a drink or a drug and fighting it off. This is what is called white knuckle sobriety. It can be tough going if that is the space you are in. If the shoe fits here, I would suggest getting counseling or checking out an appropriate 12 step program. You may be on dangerous turf.

Good luck.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional counselor, Doctor, or expert in any way. These are my views, based on my experience, and should be read as such.

I've been in a situation like yours and became a Meth Addict...it eats away everything. I saw my life pull out from underneath me like a rug, knocking me be down. But then I found I was stronger then that, 3 days of rehab and me pulling my head out of a dark unscene place on my back side...I've been clean for a year and a half and I'm doin' great. I allowed myself to cave because everyone else was doing it and I figured "eh what the hell why not?" As long as you know you are strong then you can continue to do the art you love and continue to say no thanks to all drug offers. Find it within yourself and hold onto the strength it will get you through.

you should ask your self this question, let me make you aware.
If my friend are doing bad stuff will i also do the bad stuff. if you know your friends are eating rubbish , are you also going to eat rubbish, these are my answer to your question. the decision is yours.