Many people think that cocaine is a drug just for burnt-out, old addicts, but cocaine is truly everywhere, from New York City ghettos and slums to even the largest mansions in Beverly Hills. The Harmful Effects of Cocaine. It does give you a feeling of exhilaration and euphoria, but it can also make you depressed or paranoid. Cocaine also causes a strong psychological dependence. One of the most important effects of cocaine are that you have to do things that you otherwise wouldn't to get money for your habit.
Cocaine related crime is a billion dollar a year industry.
However, the most harmful effect of cocaine by far is death. This can occur through even small doses, from seizures or heart attacks. People may also die indirectly from cocaine. Cocaine tricks the brain into thinking that it has been pleasured with things such as food or sex, so people do not eat. Therefore, many cocaine addicts die of starvation.