  Psychoactive substances, which influence the brain to alter perceptions and
moods, have the potential to have positive and negative effects on critical
software engineering tasks. They are widely used in software, but that use is
not well understood. We present the results of the first qualitative
investigation of the experiences of, and challenges faced by, psychoactive
substance users in professional software communities. We conduct a thematic
analysis of hour-long interviews with 26 professional programmers who use
psychoactive substances at work. Our results provide insight into individual
motivations and impacts, including mental health and the relationships between
various substances and productivity. Our findings elaborate on socialization
effects, including soft skills, stigma, and remote work. The analysis also
highlights implications for organizational policy, including positive and
negative impacts on recruitment and retention. By exploring individual usage
motivations, social and cultural ramifications, and organizational policy, we
demonstrate how substance use can permeate all levels of software development.
