. 24/10/2024 10:41 AM
What is Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine, despite its name, rarely contains actual cocaine. It’s a party drug, typically a mix of various substances such as ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and caffeine. The pink color often comes from food dye, and some versions even have a sweet, strawberry-like flavor. It’s commonly snorted or taken in pill form and has gained popularity within the clubbing scene.
Street Names
Pink cocaine is also known as Tusi, Tuci, Cocaina Rosada, Tucibi, Pink Powder, Eros, and Venus. The term "Tusi" originally referred to 2-CB, a psychedelic drug, but modern batches of pink cocaine rarely contain 2-CB.
Origin and Spread
Pink cocaine first appeared in Colombia around 2010 and has since spread to Latin America, the United States, Europe, and other regions. Reports from 2022 indicate its presence in the UK, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Effects of Pink Cocaine
The drug is popular for its euphoric and sensory-enhancing effects. However, its unpredictable composition makes it dangerous. Short-term effects include increased heart rate, heightened senses, agitation, confusion, and nausea. Long-term use can lead to addiction, heart problems, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and even psychosis.
Overdose Risks
The combination of stimulants and depressants (often referred to as a "speedball") can cause serious side effects like high blood pressure, seizures, and even cardiac arrest. Overdoses are common because users don’t know the exact composition of what they’re taking.
Liam Payne Incident
The recent death of Liam Payne, former One Direction member, has drawn attention to pink cocaine. Reports suggest he had the drug in his system when he died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. His death has highlighted the dangers of this unregulated and hazardous substance.
Harm Reduction
While the safest option is to avoid pink cocaine, those who choose to use it can reduce risks by starting with small doses, avoiding mixing it with other substances, and having a sober friend nearby. Drug-checking kits may help identify some of the ingredients, but they aren’t widely available.
Addiction and Treatment
Pink cocaine is highly addictive due to the presence of substances like methamphetamine and MDMA. Quitting may require medical detox, behavioral therapy, and support groups. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, resources like the SAMHSA National Helpline (800-662-HELP) can provide assistance.
In summary, pink cocaine is a dangerous and unpredictable designer drug that poses significant health risks, including overdose and long-term mental and physical harm. Its rise in popularity and high potential for addiction have raised alarms globally.
