Thanks for a very thought-provoking piece. As you make clear, the truth is found within. (And as writers, we strive to bring out some of that truth.)
Regarding your comment about hallucinogens, I recall a lyric by Mark E Smith of the Manchester post-punk band The Fall. He sang (actually ranted), "I don't need the acid factories. I've got mushrooms in the field."
That is, he didn't need chemical highs: his high was natural. Not to disparage chemical highs, but natural highs are definitely healthier.