In my writing, drugs are very commonly used, some characters use them a lot, other don't like them, but I was wondering, do other people use drugs in their work a lot, and would people be upset/offended by this.
Smoking the pipe
The most holy of all forms of worship, among all different breeds of anylk, is the smoking of the pipe. Comfortably relaxed while puffing your pipe is considered the ultimate form of praise and devotion among anfylk.
While all anfylk agree on the act of pipe smoking the opinions about what to smoke differ wildly. Summer anfylk and spring fylk prefer smoking weeds and herbs. Autumn ane smoke dried fruits or mushrooms and the winter fylkin smoke bark and pine cones. Whether their pipe is filled with intoxicating or psychedelic substances or not is matter of taste that differs from fylkin to fylkin. Generally the ingredients mentioned above are mixed with some sort of tobacco, but occassionally they are smoked as is.
Drugs
Due to the sometimes intoxacting substances the anfylk smoke this form of worship is viewed with mixed feelings by the other races. Especially the humans are putting restrictions on anfylk smoking within their lands.
Anfylk are mostly allowed to smoke what they want as long as doing so does not disturb or endanger anyone around them. They are however not allowed to trade their smokestuffs to non-fylkin and doing so may be punished severely. Needless to say, black-market trade in anfylk smokestuff is common, profitable and dangerous. It is also something of political nightmare in countries with mixed anfylk and human population.
I'm with A.E. Lowan. Why limit yourself unless you're geared toward writing for kids (and I don't mean teens)?
I have drug use in some writings, in others I don't. Regardless, its potential is always present...if it fits the story.
Drug addicted characters can make for some great redemptive arcs. It's also an ever present struggle if we're talking about serious addiction.
If it offends, so be it!
Historically speaking, your idea is solid & grounded in the past. Anything you write, if you're doing it well, has a chance...no a likelihood, to offend. That's the way it should be.
Very true. I just don't think that any author should enter into that tangle of thorny bushes with their eyes closed.
That said, if the story demands it, use it. But be aware that David is right, some people will flee at first mention.
Personally, I'm fine with that. If I'd try to write a story everyone will love, I won't produce much of a story.