There is a very large subculture of people who have chosen to be free. Within this subculture there are countless smaller categories, or groups of people, who share common priorities and lifestyle choices.

No, not all free people are homeless.

Also, not all free people use drugs.

There is, however, a lot of drug use among certain groups who have rejected society. The reasons are many and complex but the number one reason, I believe, is that drugs feel good. Free people do whatever they enjoy. Secondly, because drugs are a taboo for good, law-abiding citizens, for some people drug use is like a ritual to celebrate their newly found freedom.

The media teaches us that there is this incredible, impenetrable barrier between prescription drugs and street drugs. Supposedly, prescription drugs heal, while illegal drugs "destroy" lives and kill people. Free people are aware that this is absurd and blatantly illogical. For one thing, many prescription drugs are related to street drugs. Heroin, for example is in the same class of drugs -- called opiates -- as Codeine, Vicadin, and Morphine. In Canada, if you go to the hospital in pain, standard treatment involves a shot of heroin. Also, many prescription drugs are diverted to be sold on the street. (Benzodiazepenes, such as Valium, Klonopin, Xanax are a perfect example.) In certain neighborhoods, in communities across the country, the pill trade is as busy and lucrative when it comes to profit as the crack and heroin business.

Free people know that drugs are not necessarily evil just because the government condemns them and prohibits their use. If a person finds happiness being a drug addict, let them have their addiction. Many people discover that substance use on a regular basis and even addiction, is a major component of their happiness. Other free people want nothing to do with drugs, and that's fine too. Being free is about doing what makes you happy.

And, after all, shouldn't that be what life is all about?

If you're feeling dissatisfied with the role you've allowed society to assign you, consider taking the risk and choosing freedom. Not everyone can handle being free. It requires courage to voluntarily separate yourself from society, knowing the prejudice you'll surely have to deal with. Yet, if you feel freedom is for you, and you're prepared to accept the challenge, a whole new world awaits. If you're like me you'll probably bless the day you dared to discover what freedom can mean.