In my 20's when I was fresh out of the dubs and rethinking my stance on all things i experimented a bit with various substances. Alot of it can be attributed to escapism, particularly alcohol. Due to my experiences with alcohol and pot and my propensity to enjoy them both heavily, I made the decision not to get involved with substances such as meth, coke or heroin. This has served me well, and during that time with my exposure to drug culture I watched many people's lives spiral into a deep abyss of addiction. My personal experiences have been much less dramatic and I regret none of them. In particular LSD was an experience that I will never forget but that's a whole new topic unto itself.
Now I drink socially but rarely to the point of intoxication. Due to location I am surrounded by some of the finest beers in the world and truly enjoy them for their flavor and character. I still enjoy the occasional bit of pot but have come to value mental clarity more.
None of these mend altering substances have matched the numbness and detachment I felt growing up in the org.