Drug addiction is a continuing problem in the UK. In the latest ONS report, over a million people were reported to have used a Class A drug in 2023. When we think of these types of drugs, our minds go to heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and others.
Now, another drug is on the rise. It’s known as pink cocaine and there has been a notable rise in its use in Europe. A UN report found the drug appearing at festivals in the UK, Austria and Switzerland whilst Public Health Scotland noted its rising popularity.
The name of it is misleading – both in making it sound playful and calling it cocaine. Understanding the composition of the drug and the risk it carries is important as you should be informed of the risks of pink cocaine. This information may help you avoid disastrous outcomes or worsen any addiction issues you have.
You also need to know the legal landscape around pink cocaine and what support there is for you if you’re struggling.
What is Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine is in the family of synthetic drugs and comes in a powdered form. Despite its name, it is not cocaine and instead a mixture of substances such as ketamine, MDMA and caffeine. It gets its pink look because food colouring is added to it.
The other names for pink cocaine are ‘tusi’, ‘tuci’, ‘tusibi’ and ‘tucibi’. This is because one of the drugs people hope is in it is 2-CB.
Pink cocaine and cocaine produce similar effects – euphoria, making you more social and energised. Also, both pink cocaine and cocaine are addictive.
On the other hand, cocaine is derived naturally from the coca plant whereas pink cocaine is entirely man-made. Cocaine also mainly affects your dopamine receptors – producing feelings of pleasure. Pink cocaine impacts serotonin receptors the most – inhibiting them which leads to hallucinations.
It was first created in the 1970s and in the 80s was sold as a medication for erectile dysfunction. In 1995, the US deemed it a controlled substance and its use was mainly contained to Central and South America, becoming a popular club drug that is trafficked by the cartels there.
Since 2010, its popularity has spread to the US and across the Atlantic into Europe. In the club setting there is always demand for something new and the mix of substances that makes up the drug offers a unique high.
Common Ingredients Found in Pink Cocaine
The danger of pink cocaine is that it is a mix of drugs. What is advertised as the composition of the drug may not be true. The pink cocaine ingredients vary and unknown substances may be present, such as fentanyl, that can make it extremely dangerous to ingest.
There are some common ingredients, however, that regularly show up. They include:
2C-B
This is a hallucinogenic drug that people expect to be the main ingredient of pink cocaine. It also has stimulant effects so along with causing you to hallucinate, 2C-B can make you more energised, sexually aroused, super aware of sounds and smells and happy.
MDMA
This is a common club drug that is called ecstasy when in pill form. MDMA will make you feel happy, more energised and alert. It can also cause paranoia and anxiety as well as raise your body temperature.
Synthetic Cathinones
These are a type of stimulants that have been legally sold as bath salts. They cause similar effects as MDMA and other amphetamines, producing euphoria, and make you feel more alert and talkative. They can cause nausea, chest pains, anxiety and high blood pressure.
The Risks and Dangers of Pink Cocaine
There are both physical and psychological side effects when taking pink cocaine. Knowing as well about the short- and long-term dangers of the drug can help you decide if it is worth the risk.
Physical side effects:
- Increased energy
- Sexual arousal
- Dehydration
- Blurred vision
Psychological side effects:
- Intense euphoria
- Visual and audio hallucinations
- Confusion
- Sensory sensitivity
In the short term, you can overdose on pink cocaine. The hallucinations and confusion can combine to cause erratic behaviour, putting you in danger of getting run over by a vehicle or falling from a great height. You could also have a seizure or go into cardiac arrest.
Long term, there is the danger of addiction. There are substances in pink cocaine that are addictive and quickly you may find yourself chasing those feelings of euphoria that the drug initially gives you.
Legal Status and Consequences of Pink Cocaine
Since the pandemic, when pink cocaine began making its way more regularly in the US and Europe, the drug has become more well-known in law enforcement. Beyond the health consequences, if caught with or distributing pink cocaine, you will be in serious trouble.
- UK – Pink cocaine is illegal to use, produce and sell. Possession may get you 7 years and supply can result in life imprisonment.
- USA – Pink cocaine is Schedule I, meaning it is illegal to possess, produce or supply. Simple possession can get you 1 year in federal prison for your first offence. Smuggling or selling can get you 20 years to life.
- Spain – Pink cocaine is a Category 2 prohibited substance. Possession can result in a hefty fine and supply may cost you 21 years in prison if you have a large amount.
Seeking Help and Treatment Options for Pink Cocaine
If you are struggling with pink cocaine use then you should seek help. There are many treatment options available to you. If your addiction is milder, you may opt for outpatient treatment – meaning you get to go home at night. Inpatient treatment requires staying in the treatment centre and is suitable for people with a severe addiction.
No matter what path you take, you will undergo a detox programme to purge the substance from your body. Action Rehab can direct you to treatment centres that offer this as well as a myriad of options – including addiction counselling, individual therapy sessions and group therapy.
Contact Action Rehab for Drug Addiction Support
Despite its name, pink cocaine is a dangerous drug. There’s no knowing what is in pink cocaine and this makes the effects unpredictable. If you are concerned about pink cocaine then you should reach out to Action Rehab for support.
Beyond us, there are many resources available to provide guidance, including:
At Action Rehab, we provide a service to connect you to a rehab centre that is perfect for your situation. For more info, call us now at 0151 268 6992.
Posted on Friday, August 16th, 2024 at 10:36 am in Addiction.
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