I was a hard-working farm boy through most of the 60s, and in the 70s I was a hard-working husband and father. I had very little exposure to chemical and natural substances, and then too many responsibilities to fool around with 'em.
I did start smoking cigarettes when I was 18. I was working at a lumber mill, and all but one of my co-workers smoked. Not that they're to blame; I just wanted to be one of the guys, I suppose.
I didn't drink alcohol til I was about 24, after I separated from my first wife. It was usually whiskey and a mixer, only on Friday and Saturday nights, and never at home...I had 3 little kids.
When my boys were in their early teens, and babysat their little sister while I went out to the only club in our little town, I got so drunk a few times, they had to help me into the house at like 2am. One time I had to call my 16yr-old son to come get me in my work truck (illegally; he wasn't licensed) because the bartender took my car keys. (bless your heart, Connie)
That's when I cut waaay back on the alcohol. I'd have just 1 or 2 drinks after the kids were in bed on Christmas Eve, when I had friends over for a barbecue, which wasn't often, and before bed after a really sucky day. And I didn't drink til I was drunk.
I did smoke weed with my oldest brother once, about 15 years ago. He grew it at home, hybridized. Three hits of that shyte and I melted into his couch and froze there for what seemed like an eternity. I did not enjoy that at all.
Years before, I smoked some with my baby sister when she was 19 and I was about 30. That was my 1st time. Bonnie and her 18mo-old baby were living with me, and I found her stash in my freezer one day and got really pissed-off at her. We had kids at home, and I had a decent job, and that shyte was illegal at the time.
I told her pot was bad for her, anyway, and she said I didn't know what I was talking about because I'd never smoked it. So, I challenged her assertion by smoking a joint with her.
Sure enough, while stoned, I forgot to feed the kids dinner and make sure they took their baths before bed. In fact, I missed their bedtime by about 3 hours. And I didn't even care.
Maybe I'm a lightweight when it comes to weed, idk. Doesn't matter; I don't use it.
I do still smoke cigarettes, though.