Freethinker's corner

Humans seem extremely self-harming. The use of substances that directly do harm to their frail bodies seems to be insane.

There are many substances that interact with the biological processes within the body. Some of these substances are proven safe and help to improve the well-being of the body. Others, though mildly affecting, do harm. Still others are downright dangerous.
There are medications, there are stimulants, that have been used safely for many years:
1. Caffeine.
2. Aspirin and other pain medications.

Some substances are safe in regulated doses. Many are hallucinogens, or produce effects that are illusionary. Some make you feel strong, others merely strange. These that produce such marked effects are dangerous. The majority produce either psychological or physical addiction.
The mystery is why they will do this to themselves, even knowing they will deteriorate. Why would any sane person even try something that will cause degradation?
Perhaps they are seeking something to help them to endure the hardships of life, or to ease the boredom and humdrum. There really is a choice involved. The human could choose a physical activity, perhaps read a new book, engage in a sport like skiing, bowling, or even croquet. Anything but administering lethal substances to create artificial escapes.
No, many choose the “low road”. Myriad illegal and legal drugs are chosen and abused. The greatest “high” is sought. Many times they soar so high, they die.
Instead of striving in the real world to better their state, they seek betterment with illusionary effects produced by drugs. What has to be asked is: are they mentally unbalanced? Are they insane? What drives these pitiful human beings to hasten their demise?