"but I can't help but feel that I'd like to keep partying until I've got a career and family..."
Take it from an old partier, you may not get that good career and family if you hang on to the drinking lifestyle. The years fly by and next thing you know while you were out partying and having a good time, others have moved on and you're still sitting in the bar wondering what happened to all of your plans. Get out now, it's not too late.