Recently, due to the increased availability and popularity of cocaine, the phenomenon of cocaine-induced psychosis is becoming more common. The psychotic condition is generally defined as a profound disruption of normal mental functioning. One of the most significant effects of cocaine in the commission of crime is the effect of a loss of impulse control. This loss of impulse control combined with decreased inhibitions (social, emotional, and sexual), increased self confidence, increased suspicion, and a physical "set" to act may result in explosive, aggressive, violent behavior. Cocaine psychosis involves a break with reality where an individual's behavior and actions are guided by beliefs or feelings of persecution that are not based in reality. As the effects of cocaine progress along a continuum, it is difficult to determine the point where individuals "cross the line" from the conscious understanding of their actions to a break with reality and potential nonresponsibility. The final assessment of psychosis must be based on the individual's behavior at the time of the incident. 13 references