To ask: if you are an occasional cocaine user, are you aware how you appear to others?

I took it a bit, decades ago. I expect they just don't care to know how you see them and are just happily having a good time. Have you ever told them they're borish whilst on it? They probably don't know

I don't even drink these days and find it really hard work to be around anyone who is under the influence of anything. My social circle is thankfully small these days so I've not been around anyone on drugs for years, but drunk people...! So fucking boring

I’ve tried it a couple of times but years ago.

a friend of mine is a regular user and it’s turns her into a loud, boorish, arrogant, self absorbed individual.

I rarely use coke, but loads of my friends do, and I don't find them unbearable, selfish and...I forgot what other word you use.
As for being weird, yes they are, but it's a good thing, and they're as weird sober than high.

Leaving aside the moral dimension, I've never met a single person whose personality was improved by cocaine usage.

I don't remember that one! I loved those books but I don't remember that at all. My big 'scare' was Leah Betts, I resolved not to do any drugs apart from the odd joint. I did have a friend who was into the rave scene and she often really pressured me into speed but I didn't find it hard to refuse, I just kept saying no. I don't think I've ever actually been offered cocaine that I can remember, apart from the ex boyfriend. I think the thing that bothered me about the cocaine on supporters buses, apart from them becoming insufferable dickheads, was that any discretion went out the window, which speaks to the arrogance of many users. They were just passing it about the bus, and on one occasion - which was one of my breaking points - taking it openly in front of children. Trying to raise it as an issue was like talking to a brick wall. They were all doing it, so none of them saw an issue with it.

Mine was an alcoholic also. Still is. I totally know what you mean. Ex was always on alcohol as he was physically dependent, and his behaviour during active addiction was often vile, but Coke just stood out as he had such an edge on it. I could always tell when he had done coke - he had a particular look/ facial expression on it. I absolutely hated it.

In terms of the industry that Coke users support, it’s much, much worse.

In my experience, people on Coke think they are incredibly witty and interesting (they are often lacking in that department)

Sadly, the cocaine makes them even more boring and tedious to be around.

My experience is that those who use it lack the self confidence or self esteem to socialise just “being themselves” which is really pitiful.

Completely agree. This has always been my observation.

Never tried it.

I can't stand the thick aggressive drug dealers who live near me. Identifiable by their white range rovers and cctv cameras and scowling faces. Recruiting young lads to do their dirty work, carrying machetes in case they have any bother.

Can't bear idiots who think it's all a giggle and a step up from doing shots.

Not what you asked OP but I'm pleased I got that off my chest!

I know what you mean. But your OP put me in mind of the opposite! Having transitioned from a London media lifestyle to the depths of rural boredom, I sometimes come across people with preternaturally sparkling eyes, animated faces and earnestly voluble nonsense. "High", I think, squinting to observe their dilated pupils.

It's quite funny, except that two of these people were health consultants with whom I never got anywhere, since they were only interested in being interesting 😖

Never socialised in circles where it’s used. Find it sinister. An ex used it occasionally he wound become very energised and waffled on. Note ex!

I used to work in a high end club in my late teens which was renowned for coke users. You could spot them a mile off by their stuck up arrogance and gurn.

Many of my uni friends experimented with drugs and as far as I’m aware, most grew out of it. One ended up continuing and last I heard, despite having a good career, took up prostitution on the side to pay for her habit.

I agree with you. I have tried it in my younger wilder days but didn’t enjoy it so never touched since. However I do know a large number of people who take it recreationally and not only do they know how they become on it, that’s part of the fun for them. They enjoy it, being kind of f arseholes.

These are people who in normal everyday life are kind, caring, decent people and it’s such a contrast to see them in that way. I tend to avoid being with them if I know they’ll be doing coke if I can.

I don't care how it makes people act. I do care about the countless lives ruined through gangs and county lines so twats can get high.

@NeverDropYourMooncup This! I also play in a band and the cocaine audiences are the WORST. One particular occasion there was an open kitchen sushi chef at a party who ended up having to pack up his knives and leave because a cocaine-fuelled fight broke out. Awful people

Same age and same here.

In my younger days I took Ecstasy when clubbing but always thought of coke as the next step up, and something that had the potential to absolutely wreck your body. I’m always amazed now when I read how widespread coke is.

Never tried it. Way, way too scared after the 80s Sweet Valley High book I read aged 13 where a goody two shoes character tried coke once under peer pressure, and died of a massive heart attack. After that, I was never tempted.

I don't smoke or drink but only because I don't like either (have tried both).

Never even been offered drugs but could have tried them given where I was brought up in London. Just, never been interested. I went to numerous parties hosted by my ex in the 90s, where they all did coke and weed, and I walked out. Their behaviour was so obnoxious and gross.

Same with my ex. He was actually an alcoholic as well and more and more time was spent either drunk or on coke and he was an awful person on both. But there was an additional detached, cruel edge on the coke.

alcohol and cocaine completely different ; one is suppressant (chill effect) the other stimulant (robotic, focused ). Very different pathways in the brain involved , so it’s like comparing apples with beef!

Yeah not for me. Makes you come off really badly - could never live down the shame if I did it at work dos the way some people do! Ranting nonstop about inappropriate nonsense. One guy exploded at everyone, suddenly saying he was a VIP and too good for this and that. Honestly my worst nightmare to behave like that.

Yes- even as a very selfish and reckless 20- something, I wouldn’t have taken it to just sit in someone’s lounge- especially if other people weren’t on it. For me it was all about getting that physical high on the dancefloor. The flashing lights and the booming bass from the speakers that you could feel through your whole body- just brilliant. But the following day…urgh.

I had it a few times when younger and not only found everyone else boring as fuck but also bored myself by chatty absolute bollocks. No thank you!

This. I am 54 and don’t know anyone who takes it ( that I know of) and I have never been offered it.