I have tried coke, crack and crystal meth a few times. I did not become addicted and decided that I didn't like it and that the chance of addiction was not worth it, so I stopped. If I had been thrown in jail as a result of one of those experiences, I doubt I would be a contributing member of society today.
(Another "I don't like these conversations on HN but can't help from responding to hysterics" post)
Thank you for your honesty. If more people talked openly about non-addictive ends to drug use, people's perception would be much different than it is now. It's a self-perpetuating problem because the negative social stigma prevents people from discussing their experiences openly.
Do you mean "a lot of people" like the last three US presidents? Obama did coke. Clinton smoked pot. It's widely believed that Bush Jr. also did cocaine.
(Another "I don't like these conversations on HN but can't help from responding to hysterics" post)