Do you think if recreational drugs and alcohol were non-existant, the world would be a better place?

LSD can definitely cause strange and random mental/cognitive problems, which is why I've never tried it, even though it sounds like I might like it. And while the old stories about people jumping off buildings while tripping because they thought they could fly, the old hippies I know said that back when they tried it, they were told to *never* take it alone, so even the hippies were worried about the physical safety of people who'd induced an irrational state of mind.

Let's see, ecstacy can cause seizures, cocaine can induce heart attacks, meth can cause heart failure and strokes, and yes, you CAN overdose on marijuana! It's been happening more since legalization in my state, people show up in ERs with psychotic symptoms and heart issues. I don't know that anyone's died of marijuana alone, but too much can do you harm.

So to get back to the original question, I have no idea at all whether society is better off for letting people escape their troubles with alcohol and drugs. Certainly the alcohol and drugs do a lot of harm, but for all I know if people had to face reality, there'd be a mass casualty shooting on every block.

I think working the dead end job is more detrimental than video games, considering a full-time job is 40 hours/week.. But I'd add, who says a "real social life" is necessary? People seem to have adjusted to isolation before, but a handful of people I know who are friendly have told me, "I've been socially distancing for years!"... Had this pandemic happened in the 80s, I think people might not be able to handle it, but nowadays most of our communication is NOT face-to-face. I'm one who prefers having people over because it's just more fun, but even that is because I can jam with some, show them something physical, have sex, etc... If 90% of people choose not to be social, then even the 10% of extroverts won't have much of a choice and will find new ways, or will just do things they did more often (Movies, music, reading, etc).

I've talked more on the phone in the last couple of years because of the pandemic, and the people I used to hang out with, an arm's length away, are saying they just realized they prefer to be alone. I've actually had a couple of really long conversations in the last few days and a few things I heard were how instead all the driving, getting ready, finding a babysitter, we can do the same exact on the phone. As well as how one isn't going to catch COVID simply by talking on the phone. I have a friend who would come over, but we'd have music on, and talking over it took a toll on my vocal chords. For me, it depends on who it is. There's a girl who might give me a call sometime soon, but I can't have sex on the phone, so it makes sense, although I'm unsure because of spreading.... whatever.. Sometimes I think I (and others) might feel a way that second when you just happen to be on the phone with someone, and then days later, you think, "I wish she doesn't call". I'm on the fence, but part of me wishes to just get it out of the way.

Yes you are right of course but some people for whatever reason are unable to overcome their problems.

I used to. Now I just mainly do it at night or after work to unwind.