Photographic strategy in Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue centers on gritty, unvarnished documentary images portraying the impact of cocaine addiction. Eugene Richards captures moments of raw desperation, bodily deterioration, and the socio-economic landscape intertwined with drug abuse.

The mood throughout the 160 pages is somber and confrontational, with black-and-white photographs emphasizing texture and contrast to highlight the physical and emotional toll on individuals and their environments. The narrative unfolds without judgment, relying on stark visual evidence to speak to themes of addiction, poverty, and survival.