Why doesn't Soda drink alcohol?

The answer to this question can be found in chapter 1. In my edition, the information is on page 8. Ponyboy spends a significant portion of this chapter introducing readers to his family and various other Greasers. When he gets to Soda, Ponyboy begins by telling us about Soda's handsome looks. We are specifically told that Soda has the kind of movie star looks that make people stop and stare. Eventually, Ponyboy tells readers a bit about Soda's personality. He is a genuinely happy person that loves life. He gets "drunk" on being out and doing things. Students today might say that Soda is the kind of guy that can get "high on life." Soda doesn't ever need to drink alcohol because he doesn't have enough life sorrow to try to drown away in alcohol, and he doesn't need the alcohol to have a good time either.

He has Dad's eyes, but Soda is one of a kind. He can get drunk in a drag race or dancing without ever getting near alcohol. In our neighborhood it's rare to find a kid who doesn't drink once in a while. But Soda never touches a drop—he doesn't need to. He gets drunk on just plain living. And he understands everybody.

In chapter 1, the Greaser gang comes to Ponyboy's rescue after he is jumped by a rival gang of Socs while he is walking home alone from the movies. When the Greasers arrive, Pony gives a brief description of each member. Ponyboy describes his older brother Sodapop as being an enthusiastic, extremely handsome teenager. Aside from Sodapop's striking good looks, Ponyboy says,

"He [Sodapop] can get drunk in a drag race or dancing without ever getting near alcohol. In our neighborhood it's rare to find a kid who doesn't drink once in a while" (Hinton, 8).

Unlike Two-Bit Mathews or Dallas, Sodapop lives a clean life and chooses to stay away from alcohol. Sodapop is depicted as an energetic, playful boy, who doesn't need to feel a buzz from alcohol and can simply enjoy his life without getting wasted like the majority of boys in Pony's neighborhood. Pony is similar to Sodapop and says that he tried beer once before but couldn't stand the taste of alcohol. Throughout the novel, Sodapop tries his best to act as a mediator between Darry and Pony, who do not get along.