In social situations, no drug is better at allowing me to feel free of social awkwardness and enjoy myself. of course, that's assuming I don't go overboard (which happens more often than not).
However, you are right, the general feeling associated with alcohol is not pleasant and hangovers are a bitch. Ergo, if I'm just chilling at home, a few puffs of some really good dank does me proper.
Psychadelics are too much of a mindfuck to be pleasant. Stims are great if you like feeling edgy. Painkillers make me puke. I do enjoy the feeling of benzos but I avoid them because I can't remember shit during the time they are active in my system.