[gpowlftr]

I've experienced much of what you've written.....from being accused of taking "something" to people making comments on my eating habits. I don't hang out much because most of my friends think you can't have a good time without drinking. Personally, it doesn't bother me because it's my life and I'm going to live the way I want to live it.

As for as changing the public perception, I don't know if you can change it. You may reach a few. For instance, I have a working knowledge of economics, but whenever I quiz people on basic economic principles (supply and demand with oil prices; profit margins; etc.) people are ignorant to simple economic facts. Listen to any political campaign, and you'll realize that it plays to the ignorance of people. The point is that people are going to believe what they want to believe. Perception is very hard to change. Yes, it's doable, but it'll take time.