Cool thread. Living at the edge is hard, and people definitely have fallen off into the abyss.
Drugs: i do a wide variety of substances, but only enough to loosen the matrix of existence so i can jump through the portal using my own freed consciousness, i.e. as mood enhancers, not mood creators. No crystal, no speed, no bingeing, little alcohol, and only proper mixing of drugs. Won't do drugs without something to do. Rarely do drugs alone, or at home. Take a methodical approach to dosing. Appropriate substances and appropriate amounts for appropriate situations. Excess and gluttony really are sins, and they feel nasty. Also, month-long hiatuses help out. Plus i use homeopathic remedies and exercise a lot.
Music: only the good shit. I've been around enough to know what music and scenes i like, and i don't bother to waste my time on those i don't, it's precious.
Relationships: couldn't be better. Great new people. A lot of old friends aren't around anymore, but that's more of a matter of distance than attitude. Friends are balanced. Most are in good shape, some i kinda worry about, some i could see loosening up.
Career: still stuck in 3rd gear. Not too much motivation, but the bills are paid. But i'm still young, but this can definitely use a kickstart. Have a bunch of friends with lucrative jobs that manage party time and work time real well. Many good examples to follow.
Am i tired? Yes, the SF scene can make you feel alone and left behind sometimes, but is usually filled with such warmth and good, honest, open souls. But living here is intense, and the party scene does not slow down. And Burningman doesn't help out either. But it all comes down to moderation, and i've seen my involvement in the scene with a year or so of foresight, and have kept everything on cruise control, content not to go overboard, and it has treated me quite well.
Patience, moderation, simplicity, contentness, reflection, appreciation, love, peace, respect, compassion. All these apply to ourselves as well. If you love yourself like a child and treat yourself well, good things happen. Sorry to talk so much about myself, but this topic hit a chord for me and i'm always down to share my view of responsible usage.
[This message has been edited by liquidocean (edited 09 December 1999).]