Earlier this year, the media reported on a drug known as ‘pink cocaine’, which had recently been responsible for the death of a teenager in Spain. Pink cocaine is not a new substance, but it has seen a surge in popularity on the ‘party island’ of Ibiza and has also started to gain traction elsewhere, including the UK.1

But what is pink cocaine and what do you need to know about this potentially dangerous drug?

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine is not a distinct substance in its own right, but rather a mixture of existing drugs. Despite the name, it does not usually contain cocaine as its primary ingredient and some batches referred to as pink cocaine may not contain cocaine at all. It is, however, pink in colour – often from the addition of food colouring.

The most common drugs found in so-called pink cocaine include a psychedelic drug known as 2C-B, along with MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and caffeine.2 A UN report also noted that laboratory analysis of the substance, which first emerged in South America, has also found methamphetamine, opioids and new psychoactive substances (NPS).3

Pink cocaine is also known by variations such as Tusi, Tuci, Tusibi, and Tucibi – all of which refer to the presence of 2-CB in the mix. 2-CB was first synthesised in the 1970s. Like other drugs from the 2C family, it combines psychedelic properties with the effects of a stimulant.4 2-CB has been used to treat sexual dysfunction before being removed from the market due to safety concerns.

MDMA or ecstasy can also act as both a stimulant and psychedelic, while ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects and caffeine is a commonly used stimulant. Other drugs may also be used, including cocaine. The fact that it is impossible to know what is actually in a batch of pink cocaine is part of what makes it so unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Effects of Pink Cocaine

As mentioned, the different drugs in any given batch of pink cocaine can vary considerably – both in terms of which drugs are actually present and the different ratios. This means that pink cocaine effects can also vary quite widely.

In general terms though, the drug is generally used for energy, a sense of euphoria and increased confidence. These are some of the effects generally sought with regular powder cocaine and may be provided by stimulants such as 2-CB and MDMA. The presence of ketamine as a ‘downer’ can counteract the effects of the ‘uppers’, however.

This mix of stimulants and depressants can be extremely unpredictable and potentially dangerous. A mixture of uppers and downers is sometimes known as a ‘speedball’, although this will usually involve a combination of different drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines with heroin and other opioids.

Dangers and Risks Associated with Pink Cocaine

The fact that pink cocaine can have different drugs in the mix can make it particularly dangerous. There will not only be the risks from all the drugs individually, there may also be additional risks from combinations acting together. It is also difficult to gauge how strong a particular batch may be or what the ratios of the different drugs are.

Adverse effects as a consequence of the stimulant parts of pink cocaine could include:

  • Increased or irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia and restlessness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Chest pain
  • Raised blood pressure

Pink Cocaine dangers can also include the possibility of overdose and addiction if used repeatedly.

Overdose could produce a number of symptoms, including rigid muscles, tremors, spasms and seizures. It can lead to heart attack and may even prove fatal.

Other constituent parts of pink cocaine like ketamine, opioids and some new psychoactive substances may have sedative effects. This can lead to passing out and slowed breathing.

In general terms, the use of pink cocaine can also lead to poor decision-making, risky behaviour such as unprotected sex and an increased risk of being involved in an accident.

Signs of Pink Cocaine Use and Addiction

Repeated use can result in pink cocaine addiction. As many of the individual drugs that go into the substance are addictive in their own right, it is also possible to develop addictions to the constituent parts of pink cocaine, such as cocaine or ketamine.

Some signs of pink cocaine use and addiction could include:

  • Changes in behaviour
  • Mood swings
  • Increased energy and talkativeness followed by a ‘crash’
  • Dilated pupils
  • Periods of euphoria and anxiety or depression
  • Lying or being secretive about drug use
  • Withdrawing from friends, family and activities
  • Need for money/ financial problems

If you are the one with the problem you may also find yourself:

  • Wanting to use pink cocaine more frequently
  • Taking more of the drug when you do use it
  • Experiencing cravings
  • Making excuses to use the drug
  • Avoiding situations where you can’t use it
  • Feeling ill effects (withdrawal symptoms) when you don’t use it

Treatment and Support for Pink Cocaine Addiction

Any kind of addiction is difficult to break free from without expert help. Addiction to a mixed ‘designer drug’ like pink cocaine can be even more complex as there are different substances involved.

A supervised detox can help you to safely process any drugs in your system and deal with any unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms that may arise. A complete addiction treatment programme will also use therapy and other evidence-based techniques to address the psychological aspects of addiction and the root causes of substance misuse.

Get Help for Pink Cocaine Today

So, if you or someone you know is struggling with a pink cocaine addiction, reach out today. Our friendly team is here to provide you with all the support and resources you need. Call us on 01908 489 421 for more information about how we can help.

 

 

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