Pink cocaine (tusi) is a mix of drugs that comes as pink powder.
Pink cocaine can contain different combinations of drugs. For example, ketamine and MDMA. This means the effects are unpredictable.
People snort or swallow pink cocaine.
The drugs in pink cocaine are different in each batch. You cannot know what is in a batch of pink cocaine.
Other names for pink cocaine
Other names include: pink, pink champagne, tuci, tucibi, tusi, tusibi
Drugs in pink cocaine
Pink cocaine usually contains both a drug that:
- speeds up messages between your brain and body (stimulant) - such as MDMA or 2C drugs
- slows down messages between your brain and body (depressant) - such as ketamine
Some of these drugs can be new chemicals that we do not do know a lot about. These are sometimes called new psychoactive substances (NPS). Pink cocaine may not contain cocaine.
Pink cocaine may also contain other substances such as food dye, flavourings and caffeine.
If you take a stimulant and a depressant together, it does not balance their effects. You may find it harder to notice some effects. But they are still happening. This puts your body under a lot of strain and increases the risk of overdose.
Effects of pink cocaine
The drugs in pink cocaine can be different in each batch. This means the effects are unpredictable.
To find out about possible effects, you can read our guides on the drugs often found in pink cocaine.
These can include:
Opioids have been found in pink cocaine in other countries. For example, tramadol.
How long does pink cocaine stay in your system?
It can be hard to know how long the drugs in pink cocaine stay in your system.
How long a test can detect pink cocaine depends on the combination of drugs in the mix.
Things that affect how long a drug stays in your system
The time it takes for a drug to leave your system depends on many things.
For example:
- how much you took
- how often you take the drug
- how strong the drug was
- your age, sex and metabolism
- your general health
Reducing risks from pink cocaine
It’s always safest not to take drugs. There is no way of knowing the contents of pink powders.
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use pink cocaine. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of a drug emergency.
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Be with people you trust and look out for each other - do not use alone.
Pick a meeting point and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency.
The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
If you start with a small amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Wait at least 2 hours after eating before you use and sleep on your side.
This is to reduce the risk of choking on your vomit.
Some of the drugs used in pink cocaine can make you:
- get sick (vomit)
- feel drowsy or lose consciousness
If you are with someone who took pink cocaine, put them on their side.
Only use 1 substance at a time.
Using pink cocaine with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Mixing drugs is always more risky.
Stay in a safe place away from risks such as heights, roads or water.
This is to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Some drugs can affect your control of your body and make you less aware of your surroundings.
Sip water or sports drinks - but not more than 1 pint an hour.
This is to reduce the risk of dehydration and water intoxication. Drugs in pink cocaine can increase your body temperature, make you thirsty and stop you peeing.
But if you drink too much water, your body pushes the extra water into your cells. The extra water causes a salt imbalance and swelling in your brain cells.
Take breaks to rest and cool down.
This is to reduce the risk of dehydration and overheating. Drugs in pink cocaine can increase your body temperature.
If you're dancing when you take pink cocaine, take regular breaks. You can put a wet cloth or t-shirt on your forehead if you feel too hot.
Think about your sexual health.
Drugs in pink cocaine can reduce your inhibitions and increase your sex drive. There are things you can do to look after yourself and your partners if you could have sex when you take drugs.
Know what to do in case of a challenging experience.
If you know what to do during a challenging experience, it could stop a situation getting worse and help you support someone.
But it is always safest to get medical advice if someone has overwhelming or unexpected effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Mixing pink cocaine with alcohol or other drugs
Pink cocaine can contain different combinations of drugs. Using it with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can be dangerous.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken pink cocaine and has:
- a very fast or slow heartbeat
- a seizure (fit)
- problems breathing
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
- temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher
- severe nausea or vomiting
- cold and clammy skin - white skin may turn blue, black or brown skin may turn grey
- pain in their arms or legs
- lost consciousness - put them on their side or in the recovery position
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about pink cocaine use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when pink cocaine use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie