Pink Cocaine

Various

Pink cocaine is usually a mixture of drugs such as ketamine, MDMA and 2C-B - despite it’s name, it doesn’t always contain cocaine. Other substances, such as methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, opioids, xylazine and caffeine have also been identified in batches of pink cocaine. Food colouring is usually added to make it pink, and the ‘ingredients’, strength and purity vary widely between batches.

Also known as:

  • Pink
  • Pink powder
  • Tusi
  • Tuci
  • Cocaina Rosada
  • Eros
  • Venus

On this page

What does pink cocaine look like?

How pink cocaine looks will depend on what’s been mixed together. Generally speaking, it’s a pink pill or powder. 

How is pink cocaine taken?

  • Snorting up the nose 
  • Swallowing pills
  • Orally by rubbing it onto the gums

Injecting pink cocaine into a vein is more uncommon than snorting or swallowing. It is a particularly dangerous method and increases risks including infection with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) like Hepatitis C or HIV.

How can pink cocaine make me feel?

How pink cocaine can make you feel will depend on what’s been mixed together. Generally speaking, pink cocaine can make you feel:

  • Chilled, relaxed or happy
  • Confused
  • Nauseous 
  • Dizzy
  • Anxious

Pink cocaine can also cause:

  • An out of body experience
  • A lack of control over your movements
  • Hallucinations 
  • An increase in your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature 

How long do the effects last?

It depends on several factors, including what’s been mixed together to make the pink cocaine, as well as your age, weight and metabolism, what you have already taken, the purity of the drug, and the dose.

Wait at least two hours between doses if you can.

What happens to my body if I use pink cocaine frequently?


Using pink cocaine frequently can cause:

  • Heart attacks
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Dependence 

  • Behavioural changes

  • Mental health challenges

How to reduce harm while using pink cocaine

We recognise that some ways of using drugs carry less risk than others, and by providing information which supports people to make informed decisions, we can help people to minimise harm.

Before you start, check:

Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you take drugs can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you.

Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe.

Have I contacted a friend or family member? In case you need help while you’re taking drugs, consider telling someone you trust what you plan to take and where you’re going.

While you’re using

Start low, go slow

Strength will vary depending on what’s been mixed together and the quantities, so even if you take the drug regularly, starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before your next dose can help to reduce the risk of overdose - start low, go slow

Avoid using on your own

It's best not to use if there’s nobody around that you could call for help. If you’re taking pink cocaine with others, a buddy system (where one person drinks first and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person drinks) makes it more likely that someone can help if someone overdoses.

Go at your own pace

Everyone responds differently to drugs - trying to keep up with others puts you at greater risk of overdosing. 

Try not to mix

It’s best not to mix pink cocaine with alcohol or other drugs, as this can increase your risk of overdose

Opt for methods that carry less risk 

It’s safer to snort or swallow, rather than inject

Plan and measure your doses

If you’re going out, only taking with you what you plan to use as this makes it easier to set boundaries and stay in control

Use your own equipment

Using your own equipment can help to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses (BBVS) like hep B, hep C and HIV.  You can get clean equipment from any substance misuse service and many pharmacies.

After using pink cocaine:

  • Looking after and being kind to yourself is important - get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover

  • Refuelling will help your recovery - this includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich

  • If you think you may be at risk of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like Hep B, Hep C and HIV, you can access free testing from any drug and alcohol service, your GP, or a sexual health centre. You can catch a BBV even if you don’t inject a drug - through unprotected sex or sharing equipment

And always remember - if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help through our webchat or find your local service.

What do I do if I think someone has overdosed on pink cocaine?

If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up after using pik cocaine, put them in the recovery position (or on their side) and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.

Symptoms of benzodiazepines overdose include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Confusion or agitation
  • Excessive abdominal cramping and/or diarrhoea 
  • Intense hallucinations
  • Impaired consciousness 
  • Slow/shallow breathing
  • Inability to move arms or legs
  • Mind and body feel separated
  • High blood pressure / increased heart rate

If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them. 

You can get a naloxone kit and training on how to use it from your local WithYou service. 

More information about naloxone, including how to use it.

Pink cocaine withdrawal signs, symptoms, and what to do

If your body develops a tolerance, you may feel you need to take more to get the same effects.

You can become dependent on pink cocaine, and regular use can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or cut back.

We can help you cut down safely, as stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal complications. 

Find a local service

The law around pink cocaine

Pink cocaine may contain a number of drugs, including Class A drugs, which are illegal to be found carrying or using. The legal term for this is possession. The maximum sentence for possession of a Class A drug is up to seven years in prison, a fine or both. 

It’s also illegal to give away or sell pink cocaine. This is known as supply, and is a more serious offence than possession.  It can be considered supply if you give your friend some or share some with them, and this could get you time in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Looking for support? 

If you’re concerned about your benzodiazepine use, or if you’re worried about someone you know, we’re WithYou. We provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out:

Find a local service

Or chat to us online seven days a week

Looking for support?

If you’re concerned about your benzodiazepine use, or if you’re worried about someone you know, we’re WithYou. We provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out:

Find

Find a local service

Talk

Chat to us online, seven days a week