USHER - USHER: I'VE NEVER TOUCHED HARD DRUGS

R+B hunk USHER has turned his back on drugs - after smoking marijuana made him "paranoid".

The YEAH! singer, 25, tried out the illegal substance as a youngster but is glad it never enticed him to sample stronger drugs, like cocaine or heroin.

And now Usher is urging his young fans to avoid all drugs, as they bring nothing but misery.

Usher explains, "I've experimented with drugs, but not hard ones.

"I've never done cocaine, but I have smoked marijuana. I wouldn't advise it, though, because it's supposed to be bad for you. It made me paranoid."

Now the hunky singer - who recently split with longterm lover ROZONDA 'CHILLI' THOMAS - credits his clear head with helping him make the most of his career and money.

He adds, "The older you get, the harder it is to continue doing the things you do, and that's why I'll be ready to retire some time between 30 and 40.

"By that stage, I will become one of the most successful people in the world and, because I'm very clever with my investments, I look forward to just sitting back and watching progress on the stock exchange."