Perhaps the best candidate is sociability. Pubs and neighborhood bars would not have nearly the sociable atmosphere they do have if it weren't for alcohol. Perhaps the strongest argument in favor of drugs is the subjective pleasure they induce. One of the central issues involving recreational drugs is whether and to what extent they should be regulated, criminialized, taxed, or otherwise controlled by government. The United States government does attempt to control automobile driving, tobacco sales to minors, alcohol sales to minors, gun ownership, and of course drugs.
Kids still smoke and drink.
Unlicensed drivers still drive. There is a black market for guns and drugs. This is not to say that these governmental efforts are completely unsuccessful. Probably they do have an effect in the desired direction. That is not strictly true.