I read in Népszava that wine consumption is dropping in Hungary, partly due to changing lifestyles, a rise in party drug use among youth, and shifting preferences from red to white and rosé wines. Grape harvests have also fallen to a 10-year low. Experts urge the industry to promote moderate, responsible wine drinking instead of framing alcohol negatively.
Alcohol, in moderate amounts, has a calming effect. For example, one can of beer or a glass of wine can have a positive impact on mental health. At most three times a week — that’s the limit I would never exceed.
But if someone is living an extremely stressful life, is very anxious, I believe even occasional use of prescription medications like Benzodiazepines can help. Unfortunately, these medications are also demonized, even though — if used with respect, not abused, and taken only occasionally (by which I mean no more that two times a week) — they can help a person survive periods of anxiety and stress.
This is a layperson’s private opinion.
Party drugs, on the other hand, completely wreck the brain and nervous system, and they should continue to be strictly banned.
Marijuana, however, I would legalize.