The question is "To get through" or "To enhance" life.
People have used psycho active chemicals for thousands of years.
Do same research on the Eleusinian Mysteries. At the temple of Eleusis, NW of Athens they had a ceremony in which all the attendees drank a potion likely make from ergot, mushrooms, and wine, that caused mass visions of the Demeter drama. It was recommended by socrates, Plato, and all the well know Greeks.
The native American and Mexican Indians have used various things for thousands of years.
It comes down to 'Use', or 'Abuse'. Just like a cup of coffee can get you going in the morning, if you drink it all day it will likely have negative affects.
LSD for instance was 'used' for many years in psychotherapy, helped a lot of people. Then Leary promoted irresponaible 'abuse' and ruined it for all.