Dear Alice,

Normally one is introduced to coke by friends. The person snorts it and realizes that he has never felt this good in his life. He is on top of the world. Energy, euphoria and confidence. He goes to the bar/party thinking he is boss. He will talk to anyone about anything. (Forward one month) He has established some connections so now he doesn't need to be with the original providers to score. He feels that a party is nothing without coke. He also likes the "shady" factor. He is acquainted with some of the dealers who others see as dangerous and mysterious. He doesn't quite understand why he feels so down the next day. More than just a physical hangover he feels depressed. (Forward 2 months). He is now making "coke" friends. These are people with whom he shares an artificial connection. With these friends he can freely ingest the drug and engage in rambling, meaningless conversations until the sun comes up the next day. He is beginning to notice that his bank account is shrinking at a rate faster than ever before. Oh well, no big deal. That is why there is VISA. Put all purchases on the card and save the liquid cash for the coke. I wish I had a tidy ending but the story is not over. My drug friends and I all started out this way but our paths diverged. One is in jail. A few are succesful in business. 2 are doctors. I am in law school and have yet to shake the habit. It has had a detrimental effect on my grades and ability to find a job. But damn it feels good!