I've tried weed and liked it: I agree it does calm the inner monologue and that is really nice. I can't think of anything else that does that.

But everyone I know over the age of 25 who uses it regularly is poor and even less motivated than I am, which is... um... saying something. I'm told successful stoners do exist, but I'm pretty sure not in my town. The undertow of apathy is strong enough in small towns not to need encouragement, imo

Plus, my job is very strict about it and getting caught using would mean instant termination. And my SO hates it; it makes him super paranoid, and he's such a rule follower he would almost certainly lose a lot of respect for me if I started using it.

So weed is out.

I drink maybe once a week, if that. I used to drink a WHOLE lot more in my early 20s, but I guess I just outgrew it, especially after leaving the military and that whole hard drinking culture.

I realized the other day that I hadn't had any alcohol in a month. Saves me money and spares my liver, so it's ok with me.

And I've just never had any interest in trying anything harder than that.

So I grew up to be about as boring as my parents. ;)