After the thorazine episode, she never took drugs in that cavalier fashion again. But she didn’t stop taking drugs! My god! The ’80’s after all, had their own enticements. She may have stopped taking pills and psychedelics, but the infusion of quality cocaine and premium strains of marijuana was the rhythm section of the 1980’s.
Led by the example of Hollywood stars the rest of the hip set across the country dabbled in the cocaine life. She didn’t have enough money to take full advantage of this trend. She used cocaine only on special occasions like New Year’s Eve or a special anniversary or birthday, but since she had a finger in show business, it was almost always available.
Actually she met and used a professional dealer for awhile who dealt only to professionals. The dealer (Miz Coco) pulled up into your driveway in a BMW or a Volvo carrying a briefcase and wearing a three piece suit. Miz Coco had to look the part. She couldn’t show up looking like a crack ho in upper middle class neighborhoods.
Miz Coco showed her wares much the same as an insurance salesman or real estate broker would offer you a policy or a piece of property. Her sample case carried all the current favorites and she discussed the choices and selections with you, took payment for the purchases, and made sure you knew how to get in touch with her for a future appointment.
Miz Coco got beaten up by some thugs in Oakland. Her car was blown up, and her apartment was set on fire. She must have owed somebody something. After hearing that, they never did business again, although the few times they met, Miz Coco did have some very excellent products.
The combination of champagne cocktails, cocaine, and Thai stick made a really good high. She really liked it until one day she decided to snort a line or two before doing house work – yes, even house work is more fun on cocaine. As she began vacuuming she felt her heart lurch, speed up, and then she became breathless. She thought she was having a heart attack.
She sat down on the sofa with her head in her hands and concentrated on breathing. Mind over matter. “I can control my own nervous system even if it has been jump started with a powerful drug,” she thinks. Even in the face of drug abuse, her religious upbringing flares. Oh God! She completely understands how and why some people die on these drugs. She didn’t die. She gave up drugs.
Lulu’s Notes: Drug use can be dangerous. It can kill you. Being straight is just as much fun as being high. I’m the straightest person I know. I don’t really drink… but they’re wrong about marijuana. Marijuana is medicine.
(First published 9/15/11)
