I can absolutely confirm a lot of people in SV are on drugs. It’s unfair because if you’re not on them, your output can be lower than others and suddenly you’re the problem. You get put on performance plans, go through extreme stress of losing your employment and a means to feed your family. Companies turn a blind eye because they benefit from it. It’s a shame. Sad that SV became what the Wall Street in some sense.

Edit: This was purely in the context of amphetamines (and other stimulants), not psychedelics. There are long term consequences like many pointed out, but that is exactly why I refuse to participate. I’ve mentored so many young engineers who seem to be getting pulled in with the promise of career growth based on performance and it just breaks my heart.