You are saying he should make special accommodations, which is essentially hiding. I agree with the message about different routes to the same place. I agree that I doubt his whole future rides on this one difference, but I advocate pushing beyond these challenges rather than lessening and avoiding them. Making special accommodations, hiding, avoiding is all drug use, masking the real problem and giving you a temporary shot of relief. Maybe getting drunk changes your life in a positive way in a unique circumstance, but it's not the path I prescribe. Although what you suggest may seem kind, I think it is dangerous. You offer him a drug to ease his pain, a reinforcement that he is not as capable as other people and a get out of jail free card from his responsibilities. I've taken the easier path plenty of times in life. In retrospect, it's always been the wrong decision. However, as you say, I doubt this is the straw that will break the camel's back. If he takes the easier route for now, it may slow his personal progress, but it's not the end of his life. It's all a learning experience, for all of us, and none of us, including at the forefront myself, operates perfectly in line with our ideals and aspirations.