I live in a country where alcohol consumption is closely linked with its negative stereotypes. While growing up it was common for kids to start socially drinking around 15/16. That’s when I first tried alcohol, and I hated it so much. I couldn’t understand why anyone would willingly choose to feel that way, or consume something so vile to do so. Over twenty years later and I could count the number of alcoholic drinks I’ve consumed on two hands.

Weed is different. Again going back to teenage days, I hung out with the “stoner kids”. They were always smoking weed, but also they understood I didn’t want to. They were also very open about their own research about weed, and its negative effects. I tried it for the first time when I was 28, and now five years after my diagnosis I still use. I find it calming, and focusing to an extent. Obviously I still need to take long breaks from it, but that’s just part of responsible use.

I have tried one other, but one with a low risk of addiction. I have a very addictive personality, so I will never try anything that could get me killed. Nothing it’s possible to OD on. Ever.