You made a number of thoughtful points, Cynic. I'll try to address them all:
: Except for the fact that you alter your biochemical physiology, thus diluting in a very noticeable and specific way who "you" really are. Except for the fact that alcohol affects you as it does because it's poison and drunkenness is only the debateably cool effect of your body trying to recover. Drug use for spiritual enhancement in ritual is one thing, recreation is another. Universally practiced, maybe. But someone once asked me if something was right just because everyone did it. What do you think the answer was?
Response: It's a philosophical point without an answer -- aren't you always you? Also, you do return to your status quo, so where is the harm in temporary alteration (leaving aside physical harm from drugs, which you may or may not heal from, but nobody lives forever). I won't answer your question about if everyone does it, then does that make it right, because it's an insulting question.
Oh lord, I've erased the rest of your response. I'll try to answer from memory. On the issue of crime and the drug trade, I submit to you that it is the illegalization of drugs which leads to the misery you described. That is one of several reasons why I don't use the vast majority of illegal drugs (the others being that they are often far more harmful than beneficial, i.e. cocaine is awful stuff).
Many things people do go up in smoke. Cotton candy is bad for you, and is a waste of resources -- except that it makes children smile. So many things are like that -- should we live as monks and only do that which is absolutely necessary?
You are free to take a very clean approach to life it you want. I have derived pleasure from some drugs. I've derived insight. I've hurt myself too. I also dive deep into the ocean, knowing each time that I may not return alive. Live is risky, full of pleasure and pain, and one ought to have the FREEDOM to choose from which plate one will dine. I do not criticize you or others for not using drugs or doing the things which I do, but I insist on the freedom to do what I want, as long as I do not harm others. I am an adult and a free agent, and neither you nor the state have the right to dictate how I will treat my body and my life.
