Pink cocaine – sometimes stylized as “pink coke” or “tusi” (a variation of “2C”), is a synthetic party drug named in reference to powdered cocaine. It’s known for its vibrant pink color and association with the club and rave scene.
But despite the name, pink cocaine doesn’t typically contain any actual cocaine at all. Instead, it’s an unpredictable cocktail of substances that are blended together and dyed pink, sold under the guise of being a trendy, exclusive upper.
The Truth Behind Pink Cocaine
Pink cocaine is often marketed as a designer stimulant. Dealers may tell users it’s a “premium” form of cocaine mixed with MDMA, LSD, ketamine, or mescaline.
But in reality, there’s no set formula for pink cocaine. It is a “kitchen sink” drug, where dealers or manufacturers may add anything they desire to the mix. Pink cocaine may contain toxic or addictive chemicals like:
- Ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic)
- MDMA (ecstasy, also the main ingredient in molly)
- LSD
- Caffeine
- Synthetic cathinones (found in bath salts)
- Methamphetamine or amphetamines
- Benzodiazepine pills or opioids
- Unknown cutting agents
Because pink cocaine is not manufactured in any regulated way, every dose is a gamble and users may have no idea what they’re actually ingesting.
A Rising Trend in Clubs and Raves
Pink cocaine is part of a growing global trend of brightly colored synthetic drugs aimed at young adults and clubgoers. It’s often seen as “fun” or “glamorous” due to its candy-like color and association with music festivals, international nightlife, and influencers.
In 2022, Colombian authorities reported an increase in pink cocaine seizures, particularly among tourists visiting Medellín and Bogotá. Despite its nickname, lab testing revealed that most batches contained no actual cocaine, but rather a mix of ketamine, caffeine, MDMA, and synthetic hallucinogens. Again, there is no consistent formula for pink cocaine.
In Europe, pink cocaine can be sold for hundreds of euros per gram at exclusive nightclubs, targeting upper-class clientele who associate it with luxury or elite experiences. However, users quickly discover that the effects of pink cocaine can be wildly inconsistent – ranging from euphoric highs to terrifying hallucinations, panic attacks, or unconsciousness.
The Risks of Pink Cocaine Use
Because it’s a blend of many drugs, pink cocaine carries far greater risks than many users expect, especially when they think they’re just taking a stimulant like traditional cocaine.
No two batches of pink cocaine are alike. One dose might contain mostly MDMA, while another may be loaded with ketamine or synthetic opioids. That unpredictability makes overdose and adverse reactions far more likely.
The combination of stimulants and depressants (such as ketamine or benzos) can overwhelm the body’s nervous system, which can lead to:
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Respiratory failure
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Death
Many overdoses happen because users re-up their dose (take more after a certain amount of time), thinking that the initial effect was too weak. In reality, similar to the delayed effects of cannabis edibles, the drug just hasn’t fully kicked in yet.
Pink cocaine can create a rollercoaster of emotional and psychological effects, especially if it contains hallucinogens. Users often report:
- Intense paranoia or panic
- Hallucinations
- Disassociation or depersonalization
- Suicidal thoughts
- Drug-induced psychosis
These effects can last far longer than expected, especially when LSD or synthetic hallucinogens are involved.
Though it may seem like a party drug, repeated use of pink cocaine may lead to dependency on multiple substances. Users may begin to crave the highs of MDMA or ketamine, then start using other stimulants or depressants to “balance out” their mood.
Cocaine vs. Pink Cocaine: What’s the Difference?
Despite the similar name, traditional cocaine and pink cocaine are not the same drug. Their effects, risks, and addiction patterns are very different.
| Category | Traditional Cocaine | Pink Cocaine (Tusi) |
| Primary Ingredient | Cocaine hydrochloride (from coca leaves) | Mixed drugs (MDMA, ketamine, LSD, etc.) |
| Appearance | White powder or crystalline rock | Bright pink powder |
| Typical Effect | Short-term stimulant (euphoria, energy) | Unpredictable (stimulant and hallucinogen) |
| Overdose Signs | Heart attack, stroke, seizures | Respiratory failure, hallucinations, psychosis |
Pink cocaine is not a “better version” of cocaine. It is a far riskier and more unstable substance that’s often passed off to unsuspecting users who expect a variation of cocaine.
Symptoms of Pink Cocaine Addiction
Even though pink cocaine often doesn’t contain real cocaine, its users often develop similar addictive behaviors to those seen in stimulant addiction. Others may become addicted to specific components, such as ketamine or MDMA.
Common Signs of Addiction
- Craving the drug in social settings
- Increased tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
- Spending excessive money or time seeking it out
- Using the drug alone, not just at parties or clubs
- Neglecting responsibilities, work, or relationships
- Feelings of depression, anxiety, or insomnia when not using
- Withdrawing from friends or lying about use
Physical and Psychological Symptoms
- Dilated pupils
- Restlessness
- Weight loss or poor appetite
- Nosebleeds or nasal damage (if snorted)
- Aggression or mood swings
- Psychosis or hallucinations
Because pink cocaine blends multiple substances, users may end up hooked on more than one substance at once. For example, a person could become mentally dependent on the stimulant effects of MDMA and develop a physical addiction to ketamine or benzodiazepines present in the mixture.
Real-World Consequences of Pink Cocaine Use
There are stories from around the globe that illustrate just how harmful this drug can be. The singer and former One Direction singer Liam Payne is just one example of a person who lost their life partly as a result of using pink cocaine.
In 2023, a 19-year-old woman collapsed at a music festival after ingesting what she believed was “pink molly.” Toxicology revealed the drug contained ketamine, methamphetamine, and tramadol, a prescription opioid. She died of a heart arrhythmia just hours later.
A 22-year-old man experiencing a full psychotic break was hospitalized after using pink cocaine at a club. He told hospital staff that he saw demons, had no memory of the night, and believed he had died. His urine tested positive for LSD, PCP, and synthetic cathinones.
In Chile, authorities discovered pink powder labeled as “tusi” that contained the extremely potent opioid fentanyl. Officials issued warnings after multiple users overdosed. One survivor told news outlets she had only taken “a bump” before losing consciousness for nearly 12 hours.
Why Pink Cocaine is So Hard to Regulate?
One of the biggest dangers of pink cocaine is that it evades clear classification. Because the substances within it constantly change, it’s hard for law enforcement, emergency responders, and even addiction professionals to treat overdose or dependency effectively.
Challenges in pink cocaine include:
- No standard recipe: Every dealer or supplier may use different ingredients when making pink cocaine, depending on supply, cost, and intent. That means even someone who has used pink cocaine before has no guarantee of safety from one experience to the next.
- Evasive marketing: Pink cocaine is often branded with emojis, fake names, or flavored packaging designed to appeal to younger users.
- False sense of safety: Its colorful appearance and branding as “exclusive” make users of pink cocaine underestimate the risks. This glamorization is often spread on social media platforms, where photos of aesthetically pleasing, brightly colored powders are portrayed as harmless fun or high-status indulgence.
Even experienced drug users may be misled by tusi’s reputation as a “next-level high.” But what starts as a recreational experience can quickly spiral into a mental health crisis or life-threatening overdose.
In some cases, users have reported lasting psychological effects, including panic disorder, recurring hallucinations, and symptoms of PTSD, even after a single traumatic experience with pink cocaine. These aren’t just side effects, but warning signs that something potentially far more dangerous is at play with pink cocaine compared to other substances.
Receive Help for Cocaine and Synthetic Drug Addiction at Eagle Creek Recovery
If you or someone you love is using pink cocaine, or struggling with cocaine or stimulant addiction, you are not alone, and help is available. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we understand the complicated landscape of designer drugs. Our treatment center in Nampa, Idaho offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to addressing addiction at its roots.
Our treatment programs include:
- Medically supervised detox
- Residential rehab and outpatient treatment options
- Trauma-informed therapy and mental health support
- Dual diagnosis care (mental health + substance use)
- Relapse prevention planning
- Ongoing support for long-term recovery
We treat every client with dignity, respect, and customized care. Whether you’re navigating the fallout from pink cocaine use or struggling with traditional stimulant addiction, our team is ready to help you rebuild your life, safely and confidently. Addiction doesn’t define you. Recovery is possible and it starts with a single step.
Call Eagle Creek Recovery now or contact us online to speak with an admissions specialist. We’re here to help you take your life back, one day at a time.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
