I think one thing we can all agree on at this point is that Holden isn't okay. From a drinking habit that could rival that of seasoned party goer to a seemingly mobsteresque smoking habit. Both of these aren't what anyone would expect from a 16 year old boy, granted the story takes place in the 1950s. However, these are all just coping mechanisms.

More than he lets on, Holden is cracking under the loss of his little brother Allie. Everyone handles death of a sibling differently, and it is no small ordeal. Sleepless nights, overwhelming guilt, and depression are just some of the things that follow. People resort to whatever they believe will help them feel better, even if others tell them its not good for them. I think that most people would agree that smoking is harmful for you, even if you are a smoker. But telling a smoker that what they are doing is bad to them in the long run won't do very much for them, because odds are they probably know this. This may be where most people had trouble on the prompt "What would you tell Holden?", because there is the fact that our words might do little to change his self-destructive behavior. It's hard to really get through to someone who is greiving, and Holden with all his faux confidence is no different.