A lot of different stories here. This is a good question. I got my introduction to drugs, first weed, then more of the other while in Nam in the early 70s. Needed it (so I thought) to cope with everything I had excuses for. After I left the military in late 70s, I couldn't do any job fully while high but I made excuses anyway. I hear folks talk about the great music written while stoned. Yep, but I'll bet they weren't playing it while they were loaded.  I've read an article about Keith Richards where he said he didn't play while stoned. Joe Walsh told story after story how he played while being high and he said y playing suffered immensely. Since he's been clean and dry, he's playing his best ever.  Take it with a grain of salt. I've been clean since '81 when I met Jesus. I'm living my best life ever in my later years; physically and spiritually. Have a nice life, y'all.