Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies.
Well, being in my early 30s I am not exactly young, but not old either. I tend to feel more rapport with those who are older than me: mostly people in their 50s and 60s. Yes, life definitely improves as you get older. I would not want to be 21 again; let alone a teenager!
I do know a few people near to my age that aren't drug addicts, but they are just as alienated from society as me. Both are virtual shut-ins who only leave the house to get groceries. They are fun to hang out with, but they aren't going anywhere in life: no jobs, no girlfriends, no ambition at all.
I really can't blame them, though. The jobs here are scarce, low-paying and terrible. Most of women are either overweight or they are tweakers (methamphetamine addicts) with missing teeth and lesions on their faces (they look a lot like zombies after a while).The only venues for socializing are sports bars and churches; but the bars aren't upscale pubs like Cheers, they are dank, dimly lit and so noisy you can't hear yourself speak.
I guess I'm living in the wrong place but, at the moment, I can't afford to leave unless I want to be a hobo.