i can see your point, and thanks for not being a douche like 90% of NS. Ive tried arguing this with so many people when they ask me why i dont smoke or drink, or criticize me for it, and very few of them have agreed, many dont get it or seemed like they didnt want to admit it, and very few seemed like they actually felt that the feelings they got from smoking/drinking were "real".
using a substance to alter your state of mind, so that you can feel happy, just does not in any way seem real to me. especially because it starts with a negative/unhappy feeling, people smoke or drink because they are not happy in their current state, and need something else to change it, even if you are in a great mood before you start smoking/drinking, there is some negative thought associated with needing to make yourself feel better. your still not completely happy with who you are free of any substance. if you were you would not need it.
now i know that the same could be said for needing skiing, or your favorite hobby, a girlfriend, friends, any positive part of your life that makes you happy. you need these things because you would be less happy without them.
but these are things that you are creating yourself, you create the good feelings, and i believe that the only 100% true feelings of happiness can come from yourself. and using a substance to make you feel further from your true self, in an effort to gain happiness, only takes you further from it.
i just cant look at all the people who get high or drunk every day and say those are happy people, i see very little happiness and instead depressed people who are dissatisfied with themselves.
