What is Pink Cocaine?

“Pink cocaine” is an illicit drug concoction typically containing ketamine mixed with various other psychoactive substances. This may include 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids, or others. The powder may also be mixed with food coloring to give it its distinct color, and may also go by the names “tusi,” “tuci,” and “tucibi.”¹

Despite its various names, the concoction seldom contains drugs from the 2C family (e.g., 2C-I, 2C-B), and often does not even contain cocaine.¹ It’s very difficult for people who use the substance to know precisely what they’re getting when they purchase it. Like with all illicit drugs, it has many health risks as well as the potential to contain deadly adulterants.

How Widespread is Pink Cocaine?

Feds are concerned about the rising popularity of the dangerous party drug,² which can have serious, potentially fatal effects. Pink cocaine appears to have originated in Latin America and Europe but has now spread to the United States and elsewhere.¹

The drug has gained notoriety for appearing in the sex assault and trafficking case filed against music producer and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs as well as reportedly being found in former One Direction star Liam Payne’s system after his death.^2,3

Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?

Pink cocaine may contain multiple substances, many of which are potentially addictive, such as cocaine, meth, and various opioids.⁴

The most common substance found in pink cocaine is ketamine, a drug researchers have found can cause brain alterations typical of an addictive drug, as well as behaviors listed in the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder. However, more research is needed to determine the degree of its addictive potential.⁵

What Are the Effects of Pink Cocaine? 

Since pink cocaine is a concoction potentially containing multiple drugs, it’s difficult for people who use the drug to know how it will affect them.

Ketamine, which is the most common substance identified in pink cocaine is a dissociative drug, which can cause distortions in how someone perceives sights and sounds, euphoria, dreamlike states, and complete detachment from reality and one’s self at high doses.⁵

As mentioned earlier, the drug also sometimes contains stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (also a hallucinogen), which speed up the central nervous system, increase alertness, make someone more talkative, raise heart rate, and reduce inhibitions.⁴

Opioids and depressants that may be contained in the drug can cause euphoria, drowsiness, and decrease heart rate and respiration.⁴

All of these drugs can be dangerous on their own; when combined they are potentially even riskier and their effects become even more unpredictable.⁶

What Are the Dangers of Pink Cocaine?

Use of any drug is risky; however, the combined effects of a drug concoction like pink cocaine can be especially dangerous.⁵

Some potential dangers of pink cocaine include:⁴

• Respiratory depression (caused by ketamine, opioids, and depressants).
• Blurred vision (caused by ketamine, MDMA, and other hallucinogens).
• Sedation (caused by ketamine, depressants, and opioids).
• Aggressive behavior (caused by stimulants such as cocaine and meth).
• Loss of consciousness (caused by ketamine, opioids, and depressants).

The combined effects of uppers and downers do not cancel each other out. However, they may mask the perceived effects of one another, making it easier to overdose. In addition, combining opioids with depressants like benzodiazepines (sometimes found in pink cocaine) puts someone at an extreme risk of overdose.⁶

Can You Overdose on Pink Cocaine?

Yes, many of the drugs common in pink cocaine can cause overdose.⁴ Certain drug combinations are more dangerous than others; however, when purchasing illicit drugs it’s nearly impossible to know what they contain with any degree of certainty.

As mentioned above, mixing drugs that slow respiration, such as central nervous system (CNS) depressants and opioids is especially deadly. Because of the drug’s notoriety as a party drug, co-use of alcohol (a depressant) is very common,¹ exacerbating the risk of overdose.⁴

A sizable percentage of illicit drugs also contain synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which causes overdose in very small amounts.⁷

How to Help a Loved One with Addiction

Drug addiction is a treatable condition. Treatment for addiction typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, peer support, and sometimes medication.⁸

If your loved one is struggling, consider having an honest, judgment-free conversation with them about their substance use. You can also help them consider treatment options such as:⁸

• Medical detox. People with addictions to certain substances sometimes found in, or used in conjunction with pink cocaine may require medical stabilization during withdrawal. Detox alone is seldom effective in helping someone maintain long-term sobriety, so most patients benefit from continued treatment.
• Inpatient or residential treatment. In an inpatient or residential program, patients benefit from a structured routine and around-the-clock supervision while living at the treatment facility.
• Outpatient care. Outpatient care allows patients to return home after each treatment session and is appropriate for many patients with stable, safe living environments and social support. There are varying levels of outpatient care ranging from partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and standard outpatient care.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery Today

Call a compassionate admissions navigator to learn more about treatment options at American Addiction Centers (AAC). They can verify insurance coverage and help you or your loved one get help today.