I have to disagree. There are substances what induce similar primary effects that cardi does... And most come with a feeling of 'high'. Those that not can't be compared with the rest in effectiveness. But of course with something that addictive as cardi, the body accommodates after a while so the 'high' state becomes the basic mental state of the user, and he only precepts the lack of it in case of withdrawal.
(do you remember your first cigarette? And the first box?)