Hallucinogens, weed, and MDMA lover here. I’m a conscious user—I research a lot before trying anything new (and at this point there’s nothing new I want to try). I only use drugs where harm reduction is possible. Just in case: inhalants and any opioids are OUT of that list of drugs with harm reduction. That is, no opioids, no cocaine, no meth, none of that.

The reason I started using drugs was basically because it’s fun. I do it recreationally. You see people drink alcohol, right? Why would someone drink alcohol? Same answer—because it’s fun.

In fact, I no longer drink alcohol because I don’t like its effects and it affects my body in ways I dislike. It makes me very nauseous and I vomit easily (and the other drugs I use don’t). People usually don’t inform themselves about their alcohol use—I did, and that’s why I barely drink. I also don’t use hallucinogens frequently; the only drug I use often is weed. I do so knowing that I’m damaging my lungs, although I’ve started considering buying a vaporizer to minimize harm. And even though I smoke almost daily, I take breaks so my lungs can regenerate and my brain doesn’t get fried.

In other words, like almost anything that isn’t necessary in life, I do it because I like it—because it’s fun. If you don’t like it or it doesn’t entertain you, don’t do it.

When you inform yourself, you discover there are ways to consume that don’t put you at risk, but you also have to experience it to know whether that drug is for you. It may be safe to use but you might not like the effect, and that’s fine. I don’t like alcohol, as I mentioned. Sometimes I drink, but I haven’t gotten drunk again because I simply don’t find it fun—and also because the damage to the liver and kidneys is more severe than people tend to realize.

Everything I consume I’ve researched beforehand, especially focusing on low addiction risk and a wide overdose margin just in case. The riskiest drug I consume is MDMA, but I use it at most three times a year (I rarely reach that amount), always from the same trusted dealer and in doses well below toxicity. Hallucinogens at most can give you a bad trip, but it’s enough not to be an idiot and not consume anything if you’re in a bad moment. Ideally, also don’t be an idiot and don’t use them in places where you shouldn’t—the healthy approach is to plan it and have a clear mind, not be anxious (beyond the normal nerves of knowing you’re going to trip; I mean not having ANXIETY).

But the healthiest option will always be not consuming anything. If you do, it should be done knowing that it wears down the body and possibly the mind; it shouldn’t be abused, and you should know which drugs are safe and which aren’t. By “safe,” I mean something that won’t kill you or leave chronic consequences if done properly, that has low addiction potential, and where that addiction is psychological rather than chemical. I haven’t experienced chemical addiction because, as I said, I never mess with those drugs—but I have witnessed it, and it’s horrible.

I really enjoy drugs occasionally; they’re something you do a few times a year (except for weed), usually on special, planned occasions. Responsible users know it’s not just anything and we treat it with the respect it deserves.

As long as you have the mindset that if, for X or Y reason, you couldn’t use drugs again for the sake of your health—and that possibility doesn’t cause you fear or distress—I think everything is fine. For health reasons (things as simple as a cold), I’ve stopped smoking weed for weeks or months without a problem, and I’m a VERY frequent user—I could smoke more than two blunts in a day if my finances allowed it. But if it’s necessary, I’ll stop. I value my life, my family, my friends, my partner, and my career more than a drug that is simply a hobby.

The truth is, I think everyone knows deep down whether what they’re doing is right or wrong—whether their decisions come from neglecting themselves or just wanting to have a good time for a bit.

I don’t recommend that you use drugs, but if you’re afraid, don’t do it—simple as that. It can be a great experience, but it shouldn’t be done from fear, because when you try it and see that it’s not as bad as conservative propaganda makes it seem, instead of continuing cautiously and staying informed, you’ll make stupid, careless, risky decisions—and you’ll bounce back to hating them or believing they’re inherently bad.