without causing serious problems later in life or serious problems with generations that come after does not mean that premarital sex and drinking aren't a big part of the problems from Neal's life.
The lack of a father in the home is a huge factor in the kind of background that Neal and others come from - and premarital and extramarital sex is a leading factor in the cause of fatherless homes.
I get that there are those who would say that you shouldn't have a blanket rule that no one should drink or engage in premarital sex just because a minority of those who engage in it end up with serious problems. But to criticize those who refuse to engage in those activities is absurd - and yes, ironic when taken in context with the rest of the article.