Kids don't develop in a vacuum. Their ability to learn to think and act independently, to accept responsibility for their own lives and choices, and to persist in the face of difficulty comes in large part from what we show them in our own lives. We can help them learn better by being better teachers. Sometimes, it's hard for parents to take these needs seriously. The time we have for ourselves often already seems way too limited, and not exactly overrun with fun.
People generate natural highs through thousands of activities, from quiet meditation to skydiving.
The problem with using drugs to achieve high states is they don't teach us much or involve much effort beyond obtaining and taking them. On the other hand, their effects usually are predictable and more intense than the effects a depressed or anxious or dependent person can hope to achieve on his or her own. Make sure your kids understand the limitations as well as the risks of chemicals, and support them in following through on activities that contribute to their sense of personal competence and their need to feel good about being alive. Structure activities that give your kids a chance to share peak experiences with family and friends. And remember that it's important to find occasions for joy even in busy or troubled times.