Substance Use & Abuse

Large, bearded interviewee: … And I have to tell you that I do smoke pot… But I used to do construction, and I was high the whole time I did that, and that’s a lot more dangerous than this.

Addison, Texas

Overheard by: curtis

Female student #1: I dunno — maybe I should give up drinking.
Female student #2: That’s never a good idea.
Female student #1: It’s just that I’m older, y’know? The drinking scene is so played…
Male student, joining them minutes later: So, what are you guys doing this weekend?
Female student #1: Getting fucking hammered.
Female student #2: What happened to giving up drinking?
Female student #1: Oh, please, that was so two minutes ago.

University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Canadia

Overheard by: the iPod was just a front

Ghetto customer: My daiquiri tastes like water.
Waiter: I’m sorry, sir. What may I bring you instead?
Ghetto customer: Water.

Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, Maryland

Overheard by: shaking my head

Jittery editor, using nicotine inhaler: This thing is great. It really works.
Reporter: How long has it been since your last cigarette?
Jittery editor: Oh, I’m still smoking, too.

400 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland

20-something coworker on phone: You know, if you spray keyboard duster in your ear, it gives you a mega head rush.

745 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

Overheard by: Say What?

Peon: Hey, can you help me with something?
Frazzled coworker: Honestly, I’m too wasted right now.

84th Street and Broadway
New York, New York

Overheard by: sagehen

Manager: … And that’s why junkies are attractive.

1st Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida

Overheard by: Django

Grunt #1: Is that a wine bottle in the front seat of your car?
Grunt #2: Yes. I like to drink on my way to work.

Owings Mills, Maryland

Overheard by: widget