Cocaine: Magical Drug or Menace?

Abstract

Cocaine has attracted much attention as a recreational drug and some advocates have acclaimed it as both pleasurable and safe. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the drug's physiological and psychological safety. Few deaths are attributed to cocaine, but its use is presently restricted by very limited supplies. Use of the drug may possibly result in liver and respiratory problems and may lead to paranoid psychotic conditions. There are many deficiencies in our knowledge of the effects of this drug.