Termed a “designer drug,” pink cocaine often does not have any cocaine in it at all. Instead, it is a powdery mixture of illegal drugs, usually dyed pink with food coloring and sweetly scented. It is typically swallowed in pill form or snorted. In rare instances, people have been known to inject it.
Pink cocaine is also referred to as “tusi.” It is thought that it got this alternate nickname from a psychedelic drug cocktail in the 90s known as 2C-B. However, today’s pink cocaine typically doesn’t contain cocaine or 2C-B.
The drug has been in the news headlines recently because it was linked to the death of famous singer and former One Direction member, Liam Payne, who reportedly fell to death from a hotel balcony while having multiple drugs in his system. One of the drugs was reported to be pink cocaine.
How is Pink Cocaine Different from Regular Cocaine?
Pink cocaine can have some cocaine in it, but more often, it has none at all. Some of the common ingredients in pink cocaine include Ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), methamphetamine, opioids, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). According to the DEA, it is dyed pink to differentiate it from other drugs like cocaine or meth.
NPS are synthetic forms of drugs that already exist. They make you feel the same way as drugs such as cannabis or cocaine, but chemically, they are different. It can also include:
- Caffeine
- Bath salts (stimulant)
- Benzodiazepines
- LSD and other hallucinogens
- Xylazine (a powerful animal tranquilizer)
How Does it Affect You?
Although it rarely contains cocaine, tusi or pink cocaine typically is a cocktail of stimulants and depressants. Because each cocktail is unique, it is difficult to predict what effects you may experience when taking pink cocaine. Some possibilities include:
- Fast heart rate
- Heightened senses
- Feelings of euphoria
Side effects that can occur are:
- Elevated body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
Because every batch is different, it is nearly impossible to predict its effects, which is why it is so dangerous.
Why is Pink Cocaine Dangerous?
The main risk is not knowing what is in a product, which can lead to unwanted side effects or overdosing. Ketamine is a potent anesthetic used in surgeries and for treating depression, anxiety, and pain. It can cause hallucinations and affect breathing and heart function. Like many psychoactive substances, pink cocaine can have harmful effects, including anxiety, and paranoia.
Using pink cocaine can lead to addiction and tolerance, meaning you’ll need more to get the same high. If you stop after frequent use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that can make quitting difficult.
This drug is made in unregulated labs, making it difficult to determine the dosage and the substances involved. This can lead to serious side effects or accidental overdoses.
Spotting Signs of an Overdose
If you notice any of the following symptoms in someone who has ingested pink cocaine, call for medical help immediately:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing for longer than 15 minutes
- Passing out
- Difficulty staying awake
- Signs of agitation lasting longer than 15 minutes
- Seizure
Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?
Pink cocaine is primarily used in party and club scenes amongst young people, and it is less often used regularly. While it is not as addictive as opioids or fentanyl, there is still a risk of addiction. If you think that you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, speak with your doctor about treatment options.
Treatment for addiction to pink cocaine is similar to treatment used for any substance use disorder and may include:
- Behavioral therapy
- Group therapy or peer support groups
- Medical detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms
- Treatment for mental health conditions
Working with a counselor or therapist, you can develop a treatment plan to reach sobriety and gain the tools needed to avoid relapse.
We Are Here to Help.
If you have questions about pink cocaine or other recreational drugs, or if you’re facing addiction, you’re not alone. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, our compassionate counselors support you and help assess your needs. Your well-being is our priority. Contact us today to learn about our treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.
References:
- Associated Press (AP): What is the Recreational Drug ‘Pink Cocaine?’
- NBC News: What is ‘pink cocaine’? Explaining the drug cocktail linked to Liam Payne’s death
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): What is Pink Cocaine?
- Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association: “TUSI” (Pink Cocaine)
- Poison Control: What is Pink Cocaine?
