Knowledge about a drug greatly reduces the risks of it, so I don't think I'm taking huge risks. Most of the "risks" that I was taught about in High School are propaganda. As long as you are responsible with your drug use I don't see a huge problem, as long as it makes you happy.
I smoke weed, do shrooms, and occasionally do whipits or pharms (rarely), and drink alcohol. I've cut way back on my drug use...
I smoke weed because I like the way it feels, I like to be relaxed and be able to laugh about stupid things. I only smoke weed with my friends, I don't like smoking weed before school because I know it affects my grades and I like to be 100% at school.
I do shrooms because I can attain a higher level of conciousness. I like the feeling of knowing everything and the happiness the drug brings you.
Nitrous is fun to do on an occasional basis (I'd do it more but I'd rather spend my money on weed or shrooms) its a nice quick high and it makes you so happy.
Alcohol makes me more social and I have a good time as long as I drink in modoration and sometimes not (but if I don't hit puking drunk im fine).
I've done a lot of other stuff and I've either never seen the beauty of the drug, or I didn't like the risks I was taking, or I didn't think the risks outweighed the benifit.