Pink cocaine has been in the news lately after boy band legend Liam Payne suffered a tragic fall from a hotel room last month. Payne, who had once achieved long-term sobriety, apparently was using drugs again. Reports say that he had a substance called “pink cocaine” in his system, causing him to suffer a psychotic episode in the lobby and accidentally fall to his death. It is all a very tragic end for a beloved superstar. Sadly, it’s not the first time and won’t be the last we hear of such tragedies. Pink cocaine use has been on the rise, quietly, and was even claimed to be one of P Diddy’s favorite drugs to share at parties.

What Is Pink Cocaine?

Pink cocaine is not cocaine at all. It’s a mishmash of drugs that somehow carry a pink tint. It is a powdered mixture of various substances, dyed pink, and often has a sweet smell associated with candy. Depending on what drugs it contains, it typically produces mind-altering and hallucinogenic effects. No one formulation can be called “pink cocaine.”

Pink cocaine often contains a combination of drugs, according to the DEA. Seizures of the drug by the agency have found the combination of:

• Ketamine with MDMA
• Meth, ketamine, and MDMA
• Fentanyl and cocaine
• Fentanyl and xylazine

Pink cocaine was once known as “tusi,” but the formulation was different. Tusi was also known as 2C-B, a club drug or “research chemical” often found in Europe containing the psychedelic known as phenylethylamine. The government cracked down on 2C-B, and drug dealers changed it into a drug cocktail, which they dyed pink and named “pink cocaine.” Rarely does the combination contain 2C-B at all. Sometimes, the drugs seized have upwards of three substances in them.

Every batch of pink cocaine that the DEA has seized is different from the last, with the only commonality being the bright pink coloring.

Understanding the Effects of Pink Cocaine

The effects of pink cocaine can vary simply because it often includes mixtures of multiple dangerous drugs. Like MDMA or ecstasy, pink cocaine acts as a mind-altering psychedelic substance. However, it may contain uppers or downers, including hazardous and deadly drugs like fentanyl. Trying any unknown drug cocktail carries serious risks, including overdose death.

Some people may believe pink cocaine is just one formulation and is related to cocaine. However, it’s dyed to stand out from actual cocaine or meth. It’s a brighter pink that is distinguishable. However, there’s no way to know what drugs it contains. The distinct pink hue usually comes from food coloring or colored baking powder, giving it its signature look.

Drug dealers have been marketing it to people that they know like to use more than one substance. They don’t explain that its signature hue may mask what drugs they are taking or that there is a chance it has fentanyl or xylazine, which can cause dangerous sores in its users.

Who Is Using Pink Cocaine?

Right now, although it is making the rounds in Hollywood, pink cocaine is not actually a commonly used drug. Because of this, it’s most often discovered when drug dealers are busted. They like to sell it in clubs and most users can be found trying it for the first time in these circles.

Since 2020, the DEA  says that it has “seized a total of 960 pink powders, four exhibits contained 2C-B and 956 exhibits of “other” substances. To put that into perspective, within that same time, the DEA has seized 180 million fentanyl pills.”

So, while it’s not a commonly used drug, it still can have devastating consequences. It has been sold chiefly in cities known for their nightclub scenes. The DEA described it as “cities like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.” However, places in Hollywood and private parties have also featured the drug.

Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?

Pink cocaine can be addictive. However, it’s not listed on many addiction websites. That’s only because the drug itself has many formulations. However, many of the drugs it is known to contain can be very harmful.

It is always made with a dangerous mix of different substances and usually has at least one addictive drug, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, or xylazine. Each of these substances has its own addictive properties:

• Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. This helps users get the high they describe as intense pleasure and a powerful feeling of energy. After a person starts using meth regularly, their brain gets used to these spikes in dopamine, and they develop a tolerance. This, in turn, causes more cravings and a need for more of the drug to achieve the same high, making it highly addictive.
• Fentanyl, one of the most potent opioids around, can create feelings of extreme euphoria and relaxation. It also carries a high risk of overdose, as even a tiny amount can be deadly. It is highly addictive as well and binds to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to physical dependence, so users feel the need to continue using it to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, has no intended use for humans but is increasingly mixed with other drugs like fentanyl and meth to create a stronger effect. It can cause severe sedation, slow breathing, and even make people pass out. When combined with fentanyl, it increases the risk of overdose because it depresses the respiratory system even more.

The combination of these three drugs creates a powerful, dangerous high that can quickly lead to addiction. The brain becomes dependent on the intense effects, and because of the physical dangers and withdrawal symptoms, people often continue using, which can spiral into addiction. Together, these drugs create a cycle that’s hard to break and highly harmful.

Getting Help for Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, there is help available and accessible! Take the first step to overcoming addiction and reclaiming your life by calling 1-800-626-4014. All calls are confidential, and we’re here to answer any questions.