by June Matthies

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

A night in the life of a User usually starts bright and bleary in the afternoon, because bedtime didn't come until daybreak..The User loves the night. There is something about the night that attracts and comforts the User. It is the perfect party time. The night is softer, more yielding to those with a head full of fantasy. The Straights are asleep; their busy buzz is mercifully toned down to a snore. The Law is around, but, if a user is well behaved (no hot rodding or blasting music), it's all good. Hunker down at home, send the straightest in the group out for munchies later, stay cool, and the night is yours.

Nights are also the perfect time to score. The Dealer is out there, you just have to find him; he's a busy man. Really good clients with lots of ready cash can get house calls. Most Users are not one of those elite. Check friend's digs (he was here about a half an hour ago), or check the clubs. If all else fails and you need an Emergency Dealer, ask the drummer, he usually knows a few. You want your regular Dealer, though; he knows you're cool,; you'll get fairer measure for your money. If luck happens, the Dealer shows up at the first couple of clubs the User visits.

The Dealer Is the most popular man in the place. Smiles greet him. Lots of whispered conversation and "handshakes". The User waits his turn. He's a regular, The Dealer's got his back. Money and packet changes hands, ever so deftly. Well, time flies and all that; but, gotta go. Friends in the parking lot sharing a joint; well, you have time for that....

Home. Deadbolt the door, turn the TV to the channel with all the cartoons.. The favourite time in his twenty four hours has come. Time to name that poison. Chug that booze. Clean that pot. and spark it up. Chop and fluff that powder, find that straw. Pop that pill, pop some more. Fill that syringe and find a vein. Mix and match the drugs. Feel what seems like all the dissipated life force come together and rush to the brain. The cartoons become more deep the more stoned....

After a while, the User gets a bit paranoid. Is the door locked? Is the TV too loud? What was that noise? Checking it out, feeling secure. Time for another hit? For sure. In this cozy womb, the User fritters his life away.

And who might this User be? Your friend, your brother, your Doctor...Users are everywhere. Some, with luck, are found out, busted, cleaned up, redeemed, and are able to enter the daylight again; some never get caught because they play the game so well . "Maintain" is their watchword. Don't stand out, don't be flamboyant. Live your daily life like it matters; live for the Night.

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