80s, you ordered a gram of cocaine like you ordered a beer. Doing cocaine was normal….

In the 1980s, cocaine usage became widely normalized within certain social circles, particularly in urban environments, as it was often associated with the fast-paced lifestyle and excesses of the era. The decade was marked by a booming economy, the rise of celebrity culture, and a sense of rebellion that characterized youth subcultures. With the rise of hip-hop, rock ‘n’ roll, and the glamour associated with Hollywood, cocaine was increasingly seen as a symbol of success, power, and social acceptance.

For many, the idea of doing cocaine was no different from ordering a beer at the bar. It was a casual, everyday activity that was done in social settings—at parties, nightclubs, or gatherings of friends. The allure of instant euphoria and the promise of staying awake and energized was particularly enticing during the age of indulgence. A gram of cocaine, or even less, was easily obtainable, and people felt no shame or hesitation in acquiring it. It was part of the fabric of nightlife, and the consequences, if considered at all, were often disregarded or downplayed.

The portrayal of drug use in movies, TV shows, and music during the 80s further contributed to its mainstream acceptance. Characters in popular films like Scarface and Wall Street openly indulged in cocaine, embodying the “go big or go home” mentality. These depictions glamorized drug use, making it seem as though it was a natural extension of the success-driven mentality that was celebrated at the time. For many, the idea of using cocaine was tied to the pursuit of ambition and self-assertion, which were core values in the 80s.

However, this widespread normalization of cocaine use did not come without consequences. While some users viewed it as a harmless social activity, there was a growing undercurrent of danger. The drug had a dark side that became increasingly evident as the decade progressed. Cocaine’s addictive properties, the rise in overdose cases, and its association with organized crime began to make the drug’s risks clearer. The government launched anti-drug campaigns, and the “Just Say No” initiative became a key part of the national conversation about substance abuse. Despite these efforts, cocaine use continued to thrive, especially in the entertainment and business worlds, where it was often seen as a badge of honor rather than a vice.

Looking back, the normalization of cocaine use in the 1980s can be seen as a reflection of the era’s cultural values—excess, materialism, and the pursuit of instant gratification. For many, it was simply a part of life, with little thought to the long-term consequences. It wasn’t until the subsequent decades that the full impact of the drug’s widespread use—on individuals, families, and society—became evident. The 80s, for all its glamour and excess, was a time when cocaine was casually intertwined with daily life, and the casual attitude towards it was part of the broader cultural fabric of the time.