There is a new and dangerous recreational drug that has gained much popularity among users and deep concern among medical professionals: pink cocaine.
Pink cocaine gained popularity around 2018 among drug culture in Latin America. Since then, it has begun to appear in American media, in the wake of Liam Payne and Matthew Perry’s deaths [4]. These high-profile cases of overdose have drawn much attention from the press, warning people of the dangers of this drug while also sparking curiosity amongst teens and adults.
Since then, pink cocaine has started to appear more frequently in American party atmospheres, such as nightclubs, concerts, and music festivals. As this new drug travels from the tabloids to the masses, it’s important to understand what it is and the risks of this new substance.
What is Pink Cocaine and Where Did it Come From?
Pink cocaine is considered a new “designer drug.” Drugs in this class are synthesized to mimic the effects of existing illicit street drugs while being chemically modified to help users avoid legal repercussions [1]. Other common designer drugs are MDMA, synthetic cannabinoids such as spice or K2, and bath salts–many of which have become illegal since their inception.
Despite its name, pink cocaine doesn’t contain any actual cocaine. Instead, pink cocaine is a synthetic substance that contains 2C-B, which is a combination of powerful psychoactive compounds. Some of the most common methods of using pink cocaine are snorting, swallowing, or smoking.
Since its inception, pink cocaine has picked up several street names, such as “pink”, “tusi” (phonetic spelling of 2C-B), “toonies”, and “nexus” [2]. Such names can mislead users into thinking they are consuming a safer alternative to traditional narcotics; however, most samples of pink cocaine are a drug cocktail containing illegal psychoactive substances, such as MDMA, methamphetamine, and illegal narcotics or deadly opioids such as fentanyl [3].
The term pink cocaine is mainly a marketing technique to create an air of sophistication, and the added pink food coloring makes the drug even more alluring as it is often associated with the glamor of nightlife.
The Science Behind Pink Cocaine
In contrast to traditional cocaine, pink cocaine contains compounds like 2C-B, which classifies it as a psychedelic drug. Pink cocaine affects neurotransmitter levels in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine, leading to altered mood and perception.
Unlike cocaine, which primarily boosts dopamine levels, pink cocaine also introduces a range of psychoactive effects, often including hallucinations, which makes the drug’s effects largely unpredictable [2]. Each batch of pink cocaine is unique and contains different illegal substances, making it more dangerous than traditional cocaine.
Health Risks and Dangers
In the short term, users of pink cocaine might experience rapid heart rates, elevated body temperature and blood pressure, anxiety, and hallucinations. Combining pink cocaine with other substances, such as cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, or fentanyl, poses extreme dangers. Combining other drugs can lead to severe health crises, including seizures, cardiac arrest, and in some cases, death from overdose. The effects of pink cocaine can vary greatly based on the individual’s tolerance and the combination of substances in the batch.
Over time, continued use of pink cocaine can lead to addiction, brain damage, and other chronic health issues. Prolonged use of pink cocaine can worsen pre-existing mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. However, since pink cocaine is a relatively new drug, the full long-term health implications are still unknown.
Related: Understanding Polysubstance Abuse
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Pink Cocaine Use
Recognizing the warning signs of using and overdosing on pink cocaine is extremely important when it comes to intervening early and taking possibly life-saving action. Behavioral changes that may take place are heightened energy levels, euphoria, or an unusual sense of confidence. You might experience a noticeable increase in anxiety and irritability, especially as the drug begins to wear off, at times contributing to paranoia.
Other symptoms to watch out for are social withdrawal and physical symptoms, such as dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, excessive sweating, and nausea or vomiting. If you or someone you know might be using pink cocaine, keep an eye out for symptoms such as chest pains or shortness of breath, severe anxiety or panic attacks, and seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, loss of consciousness, or overdose, please seek immediate help and contact 911.
Related: Substance Use Prevention: What You Need to Know
How Clear Behavioral Health Treats Substance Use Disorders
If you or someone you know is using pink cocaine, seek professional assistance. At Clear Behavioral Health we ensure that you receive the most effective substance abuse treatment as we offer services across the full continuum of care.
We offer a variety of substance use treatment options, such as inpatient alcohol and drug detox programs, inpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs (PHP/IOP). All our programs offer psychiatric services and individual and group therapy to help you achieve sobriety and full mind-body wellness. You will seamlessly transition from one level of care to the next as we provide comprehensive support throughout multiple levels of treatment.
Related: Substance Abuse Recovery: What You Need to Know
Clear’s Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Detox Program
Detox allows you to safely manage withdrawal symptoms while ridding your body of drugs or alcohol. Withdrawal can be dangerous if not overseen by medical professionals, which is why our expert team of counselors, licensed clinical therapists, and nurses supervise each client around the clock to ensure safety and comfort during the detox process.
With a deep understanding of the physical and emotional struggles that arise during detox, our team provides compassionate and individualized care. You will then have the option to transition to our residential rehab program once you have achieved stabilization (which typically takes 5-7 days).
Related: What is Detox Treatment and Why Is It So Important?
Clear’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Treatment
Many clients benefit from our inpatient rehabilitation program after detox. To treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, our rehab program for alcohol and drugs provides a safe and controlled environment. We allow you to fully commit to your sobriety by providing the necessary safety, space, and time.
Individual and group therapy within our rehab program will help you gain insight into the underlying causes of your addiction. Additionally, our counselors will help you develop necessary life skills that you will take with you beyond your time in rehab. With medication management, around-the-clock care, evidence-based treatment plans, and holistic therapies, such as sound baths and yoga, our rehab program provides the most effective and comprehensive care possible.
Additionally, we offer a range of outpatient services that will support your continued care after rehab.
Clear’s Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP & IOP)
If you need a flexible treatment schedule, our outpatient rehab program allows you to live at home while attending therapy during the day or evening.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) level of care includes therapeutic programming 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. Weekly individualized and group therapy, counseling sessions, and medication management ensure a well-rounded PHP. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a useful next step after PHP, which provides programming for 3 hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week.
Providing a community of mentors, relapse prevention education, personalized assessments, and holistic healing methods, our PHP and IOP treatments ensure full and sustainable mind-body wellness.
We also offer a continued care group that provides ongoing medication management, peer support and therapy to support your long-term healing after completing treatment.
Related: What is an IOP? PHP & IOP Treatment and How Can It Help Your Family
Addressing and Preventing the Use of Pink Cocaine
Pink cocaine is a new, highly addictive substance with ties to overdose and dependence. It is commonly mixed with other illicit substances and has already been linked to frequent overdose.
At Clear Behavioral Health, we’re here to help. If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the warning signs of abusing pink cocaine, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today to learn more about our mental health and substance use disorder services including medical detox programs as well as drug and alcohol rehab in Redondo Beach, CA and Gardena, CA. After inpatient care, we also provide outpatient substance abuse treatment as you transition back into your regular life. Contact us today to schedule an assessment! We look forward to supporting you at every step of your recovery journey.
References
- Luethi, D., Liechti, M.E. Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects. Arch Toxicol 94, 1085–1133 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-020-02693-7
- Díaz, Benjamín Climent. “A review on 2 CB and “pink cocaine” A propósito del 2 CB y de la “cocaína rosa”.” (2024)
- Palamar, J. J. (2023). Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 49(5), 546–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2023.2207716
- Caramela, Sammi. “Diddy Allegedly Forced Employees to Carry Pink Cocaine at All Times.” VICE, 24 Oct. 2024, www.vice.com/en/article/diddy-pink-cocaine/
