---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They smoked and drank as if they were…"
description: "\"“They smoked and drank as if they were already defeated, hardened, and long out of art school.”\" — Naima Coster"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c71/naima-coster-47151_art_they-smoked-and-drank-as-if-they-were-al_1908091.jpg"
---

#  They smoked and drank as if they were already defeated…

![“They smoked and drank as if they were already defeated, hardened, and long out of art school.” quote by Naima Coster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c71/naima-coster-47151_art_they-smoked-and-drank-as-if-they-were-al_1908091.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c71/naima-coster-47151_art_they-smoked-and-drank-as-if-they-were-al_1908091.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c71/naima-coster-47151_art_they-smoked-and-drank-as-if-they-were-al_1908091.jpg)

> ““They smoked and drank as if they were already defeated, hardened, and long out of art school.””

[Naima Coster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naima-coster/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People may adopt self‑destructive habits when they feel defeated, using alcohol and cigarettes as coping mechanisms.

**In simple terms:** Despair leads to harmful habits.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address underlying defeat.

Themes

despair coping habits self‑destruction

Mood

somber reflective

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

- college stress
- career setbacks
- relationship breakdowns
- health crises

Key Concepts

psychology addiction social pressure

Questions to Reflect On

- What defeats are you masking?
- How can healthier coping replace these habits?

A Different Perspective

Habits may provide temporary relief but worsen long‑term wellbeing.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [College life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/college-life/)

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