I agree, finding meaning in life is crucial.

These substances are tools, but not the key, they can show you the way with higher doses, and they can boost you neurologically, but they won't fix you, that's something only you can do, and it takes conscious, focussed work.

You can run away from your fears and problems all of your life, but they'll never disappear unless you face them, (self)medication can help you cope with them, but the only way top really grow is to get out of your comfort zone and keep pushing yourself, until you become stronger.

I know this because that's exactly what I'm doing right now, and yes, it's extremely hard, but the same demons will always haunt you, until you decide to recognize the lesson, and learn.