With pink cocaine being in the news recently after it was found in the system of former One Direction singer Liam Payne after his death, it is a good time to bring awareness to people as it relates to not just what pink cocaine is, but also the adverse effects it can have. While it may be viewed as a “party drug” by many, pink cocaine can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than traditional cocaine. In this blog, we will take a deeper look at pink cocaine and discuss its effects, origins, dangers, and luxury rehab programs in Los Angeles.
What Is Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine, also known as “2C-B,” is a synthetic drug that, while sharing the same name, differs from traditional cocaine in that it doesn’t actually contain any cocaine. Considered a designer drug, pink cocaine gets its name from its pink coloring which often comes from dyes or other additives. Pink cocaine has grown in popularity over the years, particularly in the club or “party” scenes due to the euphoric and psychedelic effects it produces.
What Are the Origins of Pink Cocaine?
While pink cocaine may be in the news recently, it is hardly a new drug. In fact, the origins of pink cocaine can be traced back to the 1970s when a chemist by the name of Alexander Shulgin first synthesized 2C-B. It was initially created and sold legally as an alternative to MDMA, being deemed a safer alternative to ecstasy in many parts of the world. However, as time went on countries began to outlaw the drug due to the health risks and addiction concerns associated with the substance. Today, it is found mostly in the club and party scene where it is considered a trendy or “designer” drug.
What Other Names Does Pink Cocaine Have?
Pink cocaine goes by several different street names including:
- Tucibi
- 2C-B
- Pink Panther
- Nexus
The name it goes by often represents the form in which it is sold, the variation of the substance, or the group using it.
How Is Pink Cocaine Different Than Regular Cocaine?
Despite the name pink cocaine doesn’t actually contain any cocaine. While traditional cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant, pink cocaine is a synthetic phenethylamine. Furthermore, cocaine causes intense euphoria and energy due to the effects it has on dopamine levels in the brain. Pink cocaine, on the other hand, affects serotonin and dopamine levels, providing users with a mix of euphoria, enhanced sensations, and visual hallucinations.
What Does Pink Cocaine Do?
Since pink cocaine primarily acts on the central nervous system, it often causes a surge of euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and visual and auditory hallucinations. Those taking pink cocaine often experience feelings of energy, emotional closeness, and stimulation, making it a popular choice in social settings.
However, it is important to note that, due to it being a synthetic drug, experiences can not only vary significantly from one user to the next, it can also vary greatly from one batch of pink cocaine to the next.
What Are the Effects of Pink Cocaine?
Based on the batch or dosage, someone taking pink cocaine may experience anywhere from mild to intense effects. Users of pink cocaine have reported experiencing immediate feelings of euphoria and excitement, along with enhanced sensory experiences, often lasting anywhere from 4-6 hours. Some users have also reported feelings of empathy and connection with others, similar to those induced by MDMA.
Other reported effects associated with pink cocaine use include:
- Increased energy
- Warm body sensation
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Intense feelings of paranoia
What Are the Side Effects of Pink Cocaine?
Pink cocaine is a synthetic drug, and, with that, comes side effects that can sometimes be dangerous or even deadly depending on the situation.
The most common side effects associated with pink cocaine use include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Having trouble concentrating or focusing
- Visual disturbances
- Fatigue
- Lingering headaches
As the drug wears off, users may feel a sense of emotional “emptiness”, encouraging them to take another dose to regain the enjoyable feelings they experienced when on pink cocaine.
Are There Long-Term Risks/Effects of Using Pink Cocaine?
Much like traditional forms of cocaine, long-term, regular use of pink cocaine can lead to significant mental and physical health complications such as:
- Mental health disorders – Chronic use may lead to depression, anxiety, or even psychosis in severe cases, especially in users predisposed to mental health issues.
- Cardiovascular issues – Repeated use can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
- Brain damage – Extended use of synthetic drugs that affect serotonin levels has been associated with neurotoxicity and damage to serotonin receptors, leading to long-term mood and cognitive impairments.
- Addiction – Users may develop a psychological dependence on the drug to experience the social or emotional highs it provides, making it challenging to engage in normal activities without it.
Is Pink Cocaine Addictive?
While pink cocaine can be addictive, it is not often found to be addictive in the same way as traditional cocaine is. Unlike traditional cocaine and other stimulants, pink cocaine doesn’t tend to have the same physical addiction properties, instead being more addictive at the psychological level. The euphoric effects and sensory stimulations that are often associated with pink cocaine use can create a strong urge to use pink cocaine regularly, particularly in social settings. This psychological addiction can lead to higher tolerance levels, causing users to increase dosage and frequency, raising the risk of overdose or severe side effects.
What Are Some FAQ’s of Pink Cocaine?
A: While once legal, today pink cocaine is classified as an illegal substance in many countries, including here in the U.S., due to its psychoactive properties and potential for abuse.
A: Though similar in their euphoric and empathogenic effects, MDMA lacks the visual hallucinations commonly associated with 2C-B, and its chemical structure is different.
A: Mixing pink cocaine with alcohol or other substances significantly increases the risk of adverse effects, including overdose, and can make symptoms like dehydration and confusion worse.
A: The effects of pink cocaine typically last between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and the user’s tolerance. However, some users report residual effects, like fatigue or emotional imbalance, which can last into the next day.
A: Pink cocaine is typically taken either orally or snorted in powder form. Oral ingestion can take longer to take effect while snorting results in a faster onset but potentially harsher side effects. Because of the different ways of use, dosage and effects can be hard to control, increasing overdose risks.
A: Yes, you can become dependent on pink cocaine, even developing a psychological addiction. Prolonged pink cocaine use can lead to the user “chasing” the feelings of euphoria and stimulation that the drug produces. Additionally, regular use can lead to the need to take more and more to reach the desired effects.
A: While standard drug tests may not detect 2C-B, specialized tests that target synthetic substances specifically may be able to detect it.
How To Treat Pink Cocaine Overdose
An overdose of any kind should always be treated with immediate medical attention. In the case of pink cocaine specifically, a pink cocaine overdose can lead to seizures, intense hallucinations, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular complications.
Symptoms of a pink cocaine overdose may include:
- Severe agitation
- Sudden spike in blood pressure
- Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
If you think that you or someone you know is experiencing a pink cocaine overdose, call 911 immediately. Upon arrival, first responders will attempt to stabilize the person’s heart rate, monitor their breathing, and administer medications that can help calm hallucinations and prevent seizures.
Bringing Awareness to Pink Cocaine at Westwind Recovery®
At Westwind Recovery®, we’re committed to helping those affected by substance abuse, including emerging drugs like pink cocaine. Our programs are tailored to provide support, education, and resources for individuals and families struggling with addiction.
Bringing awareness to pink cocaine is part of our larger mission to ensure the public understands the risks of both familiar and new substances and that there are resources available for anyone in need of help.
If you or a loved one are suffering from substance addiction of any kind, including pink cocaine addiction, contact us today.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
