Hey

I'm a little like you in that I, generally, swap substances before a serious tolerance builds. However, at the moment, I'm certainly a habitual drinker and some would probably class me as an alcoholic.

Anyways, my issue is not so much with 1 drug; it is with reality. I have been getting wasted one way or another since being a young teenager. I'm also functional but I do the bare minimum. I'm sure, if I was in better control of my vices, I would achieve more and be more content and so maybe not feel the need to get fckd up so often.

I think it's great you can go a few weeks clean. I wonder whether this is a conscious effort on your part. Like, if a few weeks go by and you just happened to have not used anything, then I don't think you have a problem. However, I think, if you have to make a conscious effort not to use anything, then you do have somewhat of a dependence.

I don't think recreational drinking and drug use is necessarily a problem. I think it depends on the individual. If people can be happy without any substances, then great but I don't think total abstinence is essential. I think, if a little dabbling here or there increases the quality of your life, then what's the problem. I'm also maybe biased here and half justifying my own behaviour. For me, certain drugs like mushrooms and mdma have improved my mindset in the long run whilst others, stimulants etc., have had the opposite effect.

As for when abuse becomes addiction, I'm not certain on my stance. I think that swapping substances and avoiding physical addiction is better than getting hopelessly addicted to something but there must still be an issue.

Best wishes