Photographs in Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue document the grim reality of addiction and its effects on individuals and communities. Eugene Richards employs a raw and unflinching visual approach, combining intimate portraits with gritty street scenes to expose the pervasive and destructive presence of cocaine.

The book’s thematic focus centers on the physical and emotional toll of addiction, capturing moments of despair, dependency, and vulnerability. Richards’ sequencing and framing emphasize the contrasting shades of human experience within the high-stakes context of drug use, evoking a mood that is both somber and immediate.

Spanning 160 pages and published in 2005, this work stands as a stark exploration of substance abuse through documentary photography.