Pink cocaine has been in the headlines recently because of its apparent involvement in a celebrity’s death. But what is in pink cocaine, and what are the risks of using it?

This article will provide information about pink cocaine.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an appointment.

What is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine is a relatively new drug cocktail making its way across the United States. This drug is popular in the club scene. People may find this popular party drug wherever recreational drugs are widely available.

Despite this drug’s name, pink cocaine rarely contains cocaine. Instead, pink cocaine is a pink powder drug cocktail containing a mixture of recreational drugs. In many cases, pink cocaine includes MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, bath salts, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive substances.

The FDA and other regulatory or law enforcement agencies do not oversee the production or sale of illegal drugs. This makes it nearly impossible to determine exactly what is in a batch of pink cocaine. Generally, it contains a mixture of synthetic drugs, opioids, and “legal highs” and food coloring to make it pink.

What are the Effects of Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine may contain a wide range of drugs, including:

• Ketamine
• Opioids
• Methamphetamine
• New psychoactive substances (NPS)
• Caffeine
• Bath salts
• LSD, mescaline, and other psychedelic drugs
• Benzodiazepines

Some people who research drug and alcohol abuse in the US believe that some batches of pink cocaine may contain fentanyl. This puts users at extreme risk of unintentional overdose and severe side effects.

It can be difficult to detail the effects of pink cocaine because the drug may contain different substances. Pink cocaine typically includes a mixture of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and depressants.

In addition to not knowing what is in a batch of pink cocaine, other factors can affect how it makes people feel. These factors include:

• The amount you use
• Your tolerance to the drugs in a batch of pink cocaine
• The way your body responds to certain substances
• Other substances, including alcohol, you use at the same time

Common side effects of using pink cocaine include:

• Having delusions (thoughts that aren’t true)
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Decreased body temperature
• Seizures

Some people may experience a severe complication called “excited delirium.” This complication causes a person’s heart to stop beating. People who develop excited delirium may die without immediate medical treatment.

What are the Dangers of Pink Cocaine?

In addition to the immediate risks and side effects of using pink cocaine, using this drug can have long-term consequences. Pink cocaine generally includes CNS stimulants. Long-term stimulant use may damage the brain and cardiovascular system.

Using pink cocaine that contains ketamine or MDMA may have other long-term effects, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Memory problems
• Personality changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

The combination of drugs in pink cocaine can have unpredictable results. Some people may experience extreme agitation or disturbing hallucinations. They may have other side effects that put them at risk, including tolerance and addiction.

People who abuse pink cocaine must seek treatment to stop using this drug and avoid relapse safely.

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Recognizing Pink Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

Pink cocaine may cause hallucinogenic, stimulant, and depressant effects. Because it is impossible to know what a batch of pink cocaine contains, it is difficult to outline symptoms of abuse to watch for.

However, substance abuse generally changes the way people think, behave, and feel. Some signs of substance abuse to look for include:

• Using more of a substance than you planned to
• Needing to take more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using a substance
• Taking risks while using a substance, including driving while high or having unprotected sex
• Doing dangerous, dishonest, or illegal things to get more of a drug
• Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships
• Isolating
• Wanting to stop using a drug but finding you can’t quit on your own

If you notice the signs of substance abuse, seek treatment right away. Overcoming addiction can be challenging, but getting comprehensive treatment and support can help.

Treating Pink Cocaine Addiction

Addiction treatment is available in many settings and levels of care. Generally, addiction treatment programs consist of:

• Medically-supported detox programs
• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health treatment, including medication management and therapies
• Family, group, and individual counseling
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies, including art therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and more
• Aftercare planning

Pink cocaine abuse and substance abuse can become life-threatening. Getting the right level of care as quickly as possible can help you regain control over your health and future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at the Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or schedule an appointment.

References:

1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Pink Cocaine
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Tusi: a new ketamine concoction complicating the drug landscape