Called pink cocaine based on its appearance, this dangerous designer drug in fact rarely contains cocaine. The party drug is made from a mix of substances like ketamine, MDMA, and other illegal drugs.
While it’s grown in popularity, especially in the U.S., it poses serious health risks due to its unpredictable contents and effects. Often sold under various names like tusi, tuci, and tucibi, it’s not actually cocaine, despite what the name suggests.
What Is Pink Cocaine Made Of?
Pink cocaine is a synthetic drug often mixed with various substances, like a drug cocktail. Often, pink cocaine includes a combination of MDMA, methamphetamine, and ketamine, a dissociative. It can include cocaine as well. Pink cocaine is typically dyed pink with food coloring, giving it its distinct pink powder appearance.1
In some cases, it may even contain opioids or new psychoactive substances (NPS), making its effects even more unpredictable. NPS are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of known drugs but are chemically different, often leading to dangerous and unexpected outcomes. Additionally, batches of pink cocaine are sometimes laced with other harmful substances like benzodiazepines or bath salts.1
Since pink cocaine is made in illegal and unregulated labs, its exact contents vary, making it difficult for users to know what they are consuming.
How Is Pink Cocaine Used?
Pink cocaine is a recreational drug commonly found in the club scene that is usually consumed by snorting or sometimes ingesting it orally. The stimulant effects people experience depend on the specific mix of substances and how much they take.
Since pink cocaine often contains a mix of stimulants like MDMA and depressants like ketamine, it can cause a range of sensations, from excitement to deep relaxation. This mix of drugs is sometimes referred to as a “speedball” because it combines opposing effects.
Users often report feeling a rush of euphoria, increased energy, heightened sensory perception, and dissociation from their body within an hour or two of taking it. However, since the drug’s effects depend on its composition, how much is taken, and the person’s tolerance, the user’s reactions can be unpredictable. Some people might feel a boost in their heart rate and happiness, while others could experience a slower, more sedated high.1
The effects typically peak within 1-3 hours, but users may still feel the effects lingering for up to 8 hours, depending on the substances in the mix. Because different batches of pink cocaine vary so widely, it’s impossible to predict exactly how someone will react, making it a risky substance to use.1
Effects of Pink Cocaine
Pink cocaine can cause anything from mild confusion to life-threatening symptoms. In small amounts, some users report mild euphoria, increased alertness, and enhanced sensory perception. However, the negative effects can be severe, and users may experience the following:1
- Agitation or aggressive behavior
- Confusion or disorientation
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety or paranoia
Physical side effects might include:1
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Breathing difficulties
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
A particularly dangerous effect of pink cocaine is the potential for excited delirium, a state where the user becomes highly agitated, which can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death if not treated immediately.
Long-term use of pink cocaine can cause more lasting damage. The combination of drugs like ketamine and MDMA in pink cocaine can harm the heart and blood vessels. It can also alter brain chemistry, leading to memory problems, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression over time. Chronic use may also affect focus and make it harder to function in daily life.
Addiction Potential of Pink Cocaine
Like many other illegal substances, pink cocaine has a high potential for addiction. Since it often includes highly addictive drugs like MDMA, methamphetamine, and even opioids, users can quickly develop a tolerance to it. This means that over time, they will need to take larger doses to achieve the same high. The more frequently a person uses pink cocaine, the higher the risk of dependence and addiction.
As tolerance builds, users may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug, making it harder to quit. These withdrawal symptoms might include anxiety, depression, and intense cravings, which can compel users to continue using despite knowing the risks.
One of the biggest concerns with pink cocaine is the unpredictability of its contents. Users never know the exact strength of the dose or what substances they’re ingesting. This unpredictability increases the risk of accidental overdose, especially if the batch contains dangerous opioids like fentanyl, which have been found in some samples of pink cocaine.
Getting Help for Pink Cocaine Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to pink cocaine, it’s important to know that help is available. Due to the complex and dangerous nature of pink cocaine, professional help is crucial.
1. Assess Personal Readiness
Start by acknowledging the impact of pink cocaine on your life. Taking time to reflect on how the drug has affected your health, relationships, and well-being can be a powerful motivator to seek help. It’s okay if you feel uncertain—just recognizing the need for change is a big step.
2. Contact a Healthcare Professional
Reach out to a doctor or addiction specialist who can evaluate your situation and discuss treatment options. They may suggest starting with a medically supervised detox, especially because pink cocaine often includes substances like ketamine and opioids. Detoxing under medical care helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively.
3. Explore Treatment Programs
Research available inpatient or outpatient treatment programs to find one that fits your needs. Inpatient rehab offers a structured environment with round-the-clock support, which is ideal for individuals who need intensive care. Outpatient programs provide flexibility, allowing patients to receive therapy while continuing their daily routines. Each program type offers therapy, counseling, and support to build healthier coping mechanisms.
4. Begin Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is essential in addiction treatment. Working with a therapist can help identify thought patterns and habits that fuel addiction. You’ll learn practical strategies to manage cravings, navigate triggers, and build confidence to handle life without relying on drugs.
5. Address Co-Occurring Conditions
Pink cocaine addiction can often come with other mental health challenges, like anxiety or depression. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use and mental health issues simultaneously, increasing the chances of lasting recovery. Speak with your treatment provider about finding a program that can treat co-occurring disorders effectively.
Start Your Journey to Recovery with Lumina Recovery
Pink cocaine is a dangerous, unregulated designer drug that poses significant health risks. Its unpredictable composition, combined with the addictive nature of the substances it contains, makes it a risky choice for anyone. The best way to avoid these risks is not to use pink cocaine at all, but for those who struggle with addiction, there is help available through treatment programs and support systems.
At Lumina Recovery, we provide medically supervised detox and comprehensive addiction rehabilitation programs, tailored to each individual’s needs. Our personalized approach includes dual diagnosis care and a variety of therapeutic treatments.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pink cocaine addiction, contact us today to learn about your treatment options.
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