I used for 10 years. Some weeks I would use daily, most weeks I would use a few times, many weeks I wouldn't use at all. Always in small amounts, and only before bed. During that time, I was able to make and keep close friends, work hard in a very successful career, and meet my wonderful wife. I kept my usage a secret, except to my closest friends.
I quit because I stopped enjoying it. It eventually made me feel stupid and lazy, rather than creative and relaxed. The more I used, the more found myself getting confused or distracted at work. I felt duller. Seemingly profound ideas I had under the influence seemed ridiculous the next day. I would also feel very emotional when under the influence, with little explanation. I realized that spending so much time in this weird state was potentially detrimental to my mental health and would eventually lead to making poor judgements in consequential situations.
While it's impossible to know in hindsight the extent to which my self-medication was helpful or harmful, I'm inclined to believe it was mostly a weight around my neck for all those years. I turned out okay, but I wish I had exercised more self-control. I don't miss it at all.
I quit because I stopped enjoying it. It eventually made me feel stupid and lazy, rather than creative and relaxed. The more I used, the more found myself getting confused or distracted at work. I felt duller. Seemingly profound ideas I had under the influence seemed ridiculous the next day. I would also feel very emotional when under the influence, with little explanation. I realized that spending so much time in this weird state was potentially detrimental to my mental health and would eventually lead to making poor judgements in consequential situations.
While it's impossible to know in hindsight the extent to which my self-medication was helpful or harmful, I'm inclined to believe it was mostly a weight around my neck for all those years. I turned out okay, but I wish I had exercised more self-control. I don't miss it at all.