Pink Cocaine: Another Deadly Drug Cocktail to Avoid
You are here:In the last few years, new deadly drugs have appeared at a rapid rate. These drugs are often a lethal combination of various addictive substances. Most of the time, people who purchase them don’t know what they’re getting. As a result, fatal overdoses are on the rise globally. Recently, pink cocaine has been in the news following the death of a popular singer who fell from a hotel balcony after using a combination of drugs, including pink cocaine.
Here are some things you need to know about this dangerous substance, especially if you or someone you know uses recreational drugs.
What is Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine (tuci) is a powdery mixture containing ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, opioids, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Some possible combinations are:
- Fentanyl and xylazine
- Cocaine and fentanyl
- Ketamine and MDMA
- Methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA
The mix may also contain caffeine, benzos, mescaline, and LSD. The pink color is created using food coloring. The substance is cheap and easily obtained which increases its popularity.
Pink cocaine has a growing presence in the United States, according to the DEA. It is typically trafficked into the US by drug cartels in Mexico and is available online.
How Does It Differ from Regular Cocaine?
Generally, the mixture does not contain cocaine at all, according to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC). Ketamine, a deadly anesthetic, is the most commonly used active ingredient in pink cocaine.
Why Is Pink Cocaine Dangerous?
When a person uses pink cocaine, they experience euphoria and a sense of sociability. But, other effects can occur depending on what is in the mixture. For instance, traumatic injuries and sexual assaults are possible while a person is impaired by the substance.
It’s hard to predict the effects of this drug cocktail because the mixture’s contents vary. Other factors that influence how a person is affected by pink cocaine include how much is taken, the level of drug tolerance, and whether alcohol or other drugs are present.
Pink cocaine is dangerous because no one knows exactly what combination of drugs it contains. Also, it is made in unregulated labs, so no one knows the purity. Using alcohol or other drugs in addition to pink cocaine increases the risk for adverse reactions.
Is It Addictive?
Typically, pink cocaine is used in club or party settings as an occasional recreational drug. Although it is not as addictive as most other illicit drugs, addiction is possible. The risk for addiction depends on the specific substances used in the concoction such as opioids and methamphetamine. For example, the highly addictive drug fentanyl may be present in the cocktail.
Side Effects of Pink Cocaine
Like other illicit drugs, pink cocaine causes various side effects ranging from mild to life-threatening. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Elevated body temperature
- Low sodium levels
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
Rare side effects include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Seizures
- Coma
Long-term effects include:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Heart problems
- Behavioral changes
- Memory problems
- Depression, anxiety
- Trouble concentrating
- Addiction
The substance can also cause something called “excited delirium.” When this occurs, cardiac arrest is possible if medical treatment isn’t provided right away.
Signs of Pink Cocaine Overdose
While pink cocaine is pretty and sounds trendy, it is possible to suffer a fatal overdose when using the drug. Some of the signs of overdose are:
- Agitation that lasts longer than 15 minutes
- Unresponsiveness
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Seizure
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
Treatment for Pink Cocaine Addiction at Design for Change Recovery
If you use pink cocaine regularly, it is possible to become addicted due to the highly addictive drugs used in the mixture. Treatment should therefore include a variety of therapies that target each substance at the same time.
At Design for Change Recovery, we provide effective, evidence-based treatment for any addiction. Our full continuum of care includes detox, behavioral therapy, group and individual counseling, and aftercare services. Our secure, comforting environment promotes healing as you interact with our compassionate counselors and medical professionals.
We offer different levels of care to ensure you get the best treatment for your situation. You may need outpatient, inpatient/residential or partial hospitalization programs, depending on the severity of addiction and your personal commitments. Each level of treatment can be conducted on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on your circumstances. We will conduct a confidential assessment to determine the best option for you.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about our programs. A treatment advisor will guide you through verifying insurance and choosing a treatment plan that fits your needs. Pink cocaine is a dangerous drug cocktail that can damage your mental and physical wellbeing. Don’t wait another day to get treatment. We want to help you live the healthy, drug-free lifestyle you deserve.
Sources:
nbcnews.com/ – What is Pink Cocaine? Explaining the Drug Cocktail Linked to Liam Payne’s Death
poison.org/ – What Is Pink Cocaine?
dea.gov/ – What is Pink Cocaine?
