Don't Do Coke in the Bathroom: The History of Anti-Drug Signs

The Origins of "Don't Do Coke in the Bathroom" Signs

You may have seen funny signs in public bathrooms with sayings like "Don't do coke in the bathroom" or "We aim to keep this bathroom free of drug use." While meant humorously, these signs have an interesting backstory related to problematic cocaine use in the 1980s.

Cocaine Use Peaks in the 1980s

Cocaine use surged in many developed nations in the 1970s and 80s. By the mid 1980s, an estimated 5.8 million Americans reported using cocaine annually. The drug gained a reputation as the choice of Wall Street bankers, celebrities, and other wealthy elite.

The rise of crack cocaine made the stimulant even more addictive and accessible. Cocaine offered a quick high at the cost of terrible addiction for many users. Use was prevalent at bars, clubs, private parties, and anywhere with a bathroom that offered quick privacy.

Public Bathrooms Become De Facto Drug Havens

As cocaine wreaked societal havoc, its use became increasingly tied to nightlife spots like bars, live music venues, and clubs. The bathrooms of these establishments emerged as convenient places for patrons to sneak off and use the addictive substance.

Doing a quick line of coke in a bathroom stall enabled users to evade security and staff. Unfortunately, this also led to overdoses, drug paraphernalia littering sinks, and even deaths in nightlife establishment bathrooms.

Businesses Get Fed Up with Bathroom Cocaine Use

Liability Concerns Mount

As cocaine-related bathroom incidents escalated, business owners became increasingly concerned. Bathrooms tarnished by drug use damage a venue's reputation. But they also expose the business to legal liability if a patron is injured while using drugs on their property.

Safety issues also abound with open drug use in public bathrooms. Used needles, razor blades, and other hazardous paraphernalia hidden in bathroom stalls pose risks to staff and innocent patrons.

"Don't Do Coke Here" Signs Appear as Deterrents

In an effort to deter blow use in bathrooms, many bars, venues, and restaurants began Displaying tongue-in-cheek warning signs. These signs typically state some humorous variant of "Don't do coke here" or "We aim to keep this bathroom drug-free."

The signs acted as friendly warnings to patrons to not use cocaine or other illegal drugs in the venue's restrooms. While said jokingly, the signs communicated that bathroom drug use would not be tolerated on the premises.

Modern Relevance of Anti-Coke Signage

Cocaine Use Declines, But Has Not Disappeared

Since its peak in the late 20th century, cocaine use has decreased significantly in the US and elsewhere. In 2018, about 1.5 million Americans reported using cocaine, a 74% drop compared to 1985.

However, cocaine cannot be said to have disappeared entirely. 2021 saw US cocaine overdose deaths spike nearly 27% to 28,000 compared to the year before.

"Don't Do Coke Here" Signs Are Still Relevant

So while public bathroom cocaine lines may not be as common as seen in 1980s nightlife, recreational coke use persists decades later. As such, many bars, restaurants, concert halls, and other establishments still display some version of the tongue-in-cheek "Don't do coke here" bathroom sign.

More than deterring actual cocaine use, these signs retain their humor and ability to get visitors chuckling. The message may be a relic of 1980s drug policy, but the signage holds an enduring nostalgic appeal even for younger generations.

The Future of Anti-Drug Bathroom Signage

Focus Has Shifted from Cocaine to Opioids

The specific "don't do coke in bathrooms" warning emerged from the panic around cocaine in the 1970s and 80s. In present times, issues like the devastating opioid epidemic receive far greater anti-drug attention.

So bathroom signage nowadays focuses more on warning against using drugs like potent fentanyl in bathrooms given the huge risks. Warnings note that overdoses, injuries, and even death can occur from using certain substances alone in restrooms.

Signs Must Balance Humor with Responsibility

Nonetheless, recreational cocaine use has not fully gone away either. Balancing humor and responsibility thus remains vital in anti-drug bathroom signs.

Business owners must continue displaying signage that deters illegal drug use and accurately captures its dangers. But the signs' wording should avoid fear-mongering and retain the tongue-in-cheek nostalgic spirit of "don't do coke here" messages.

Ultimately, venue staff bear the greatest responsibility for monitoring bathrooms and patron welfare. But the signs symbolize zero tolerance for potentially dangerous illegal bathroom activity - whether 1970s cocaine or modern opioid misuse.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.