What is interesting is that, when asked to report under which condition they were most accurate, subjects tend to report the dark condition. Subjectively they were most accurate in the dark while objectively they were least accurate in the dark. It impacts dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. The effects of cocaine generally are those of a stimulant. It is one of a family of related substances which includes xylocaine and novacaine, local anesthetics.
Cocaine is addictive and produces a disorder called anhedonia during withdrawal.
Anhedonia is a complete inability to experience pleasure or enjoyment. Although it may sound silly, imaging going through 4 to 6 monthly of your life completely unable to feel or share pleasure or enjoyment. The withdrawing cocaine addict becomes increasingly socially isolated and may contemplate suicide. Because the withdrawal symptoms are largely psychological rather than physical, cocaine was not recognized as addictive until fairly recently. Cocaine is often used by individuals who are socially unsure of themselves or feel threatened or overwhelmed by being the focus of public attention.