There’s a new drug circulating in the illicit markets that Americans are only starting to hear about. “Pink Cocaine,” also known as tuci or tucibi, is a synthetic designer drug. And despite the name, it isn’t cocaine, but often combines MDMA, ketamine, and amphetamines.
Pink cocaine has recently been linked to the death of former One Direction member, Liam Payne, and in sex trafficking allegations against Sean Combs, “Diddy.” Its growth in party scenes makes it particularly risky for music festival goers and young adults [1].
Read on to learn what pink cocaine is, the health risks associated with it, and the treatment available.
What Is Pink Cocaine?
“Pink cocaine” also known as “tuci”, ”tucibi”, ”2C-B”, and sometimes “Eros” or “Pink Venus” is a new synthetic designer drug that has gained popularity in the clubbing scene, particularly in Latin America, but has now reached the UK and parts of the US.
The chemical composition of pink cocaine varies by batch, leading to significant risks for users. It can be a combination of different psychoactive substances, such as ketamine, MDMA, amphetamines, mescaline, LSD, and, in some cases, even opioids.
Joseph Palamar, associate professor of population health at NYU, said, “It’s a pretty pink powder, and everyone’s starting to use it; it really just started increasing around mid-2023.”
Palamar first heard of pink cocaine after his team researched posts on Reddit as part of research for the National Drug Early Warning System. This organization specializes in narcotics surveillance and collects data on potentially harmful drugs that are rising in popularity but not yet on the radar of law enforcement or major health entities [1].
The research team discovered a whole community of “Psychonauts,” where people use novel drugs or psychedelics to induce “altered states of consciousness” and post about their experiences.
The Origins of Pink Cocaine
Pink cocaine originated in Medellín, Colombia, between 2010 and 2018, where production began in clandestine “kitchen labs” and spread to other cities by local traffickers targeting party and club scenes with affordable, visually appealing drugs.
From Colombia, it moved to Europe and then the US. There is no specific chemical or plant that pink cocaine comes from, and users almost never know what they are getting. Some batches might be a combination of MDMA and ketamine, while others contain LSD or even caffeine adulterants [2].
Signs of Pink Cocaine Use
Be mindful of the signs of pink cocaine, especially:
- Dilated pupils and heightened sensitivity to light
- Rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, or sweating/chills
- Euphoria followed by sudden irritability or mood swings
- Visual/auditory hallucinations or distorted perceptions
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Anxiety, paranoia, or confusion
- Erratic or aggressive behavior, making risky decisions
- Tremors, muscle spasms, or grinding teeth
- Increased energy, then a crash with fatigue or dissociation
- Pink powder stains around the nose/mouth from snorting, pink snot or boogers
Psychological Effects of Pink Cocaine
There are several psychological effects that combine the effects of stimulants and hallucinogens. Short-term effects often include euphoria, increased alertness, and enhanced sensory perception. It also reduced inhibitions, similar to alcohol.
At first, users may feel great, relaxed, and ready to dance for hours, but the comedown can hit hard and last for days. Some of the negative psychological effects of pink cocaine include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Increased risk of psychosis
- Severe short-term memory loss
Health Risks of Pink Cocaine
Because pink cocaine is so unregulated and often a combination of various drugs, depending on the batch, there is an increased risk of accidental overdose. Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- Agitation or aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Hyperthermia
How Is It Different Than Traditional Cocaine?
Traditional cocaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid with purely stimulant effects. Pink cocaine involves derivatives of several classes. This difference in chemical structure means pink cocaine also has hallucinogenic properties, unlike the purely stimulant effects of traditional cocaine.
Users of pink cocaine report both euphoric and psychedelic experiences, including altered sensory perception and mood.
Tips for Safe Partying
- Stay with trusted friends and use the buddy system to watch each other’s well-being, and drinks, avoiding isolation or risky situations.
- Eat beforehand, stay hydrated with water or soft drinks, and pace your intake to prevent rapid intoxication or dehydration.
- Avoid unknown substances and carry naloxone if possible to reduce overdose risks.
- Plan safe transportation, such as Uber or a designated driver, and never drive impaired.
- Understand consent, practice safe sex, and know overdose signs—call emergency services if needed without hesitation.
Evidence-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Kansas
At Avalon Wellness & Recovery, we offer whole-person care using somatic therapies, nervous system regulation, and mindful practices designed to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. Our wellness services, such as infrared sauna, steam rooms, and cold plunge therapy, can ease symptoms of withdrawal such as anxiety, nausea, and sleep difficulties.
If you’re struggling with synthetic party drugs or another form of substance use, contact our admissions team today to discover how our integrative approach to substance use, mental health, and trauma recovery can support you or a loved one to live a substance-free lifestyle.
Sources
[1] Hanson, T. “Pink cocaine” is the latest street drug. This team of researchers has been warning the public about it for a year. CBS.
[2] VICE. 2022. Colombia’s Infamous ‘Pink Cocaine’ Is on the Rise in Europe.