Most people have a good understanding of the potential consequences of abusing “standard” illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy. But when a new drug hits the scene, it can be particularly dangerous because people don’t understand what risks they’re taking. The latest new drug to gain popularity is nicknamed “pink cocaine,” but its playful name doesn’t mean it’s any safer to take. Let’s take a look at what pink coke is, why it’s gaining popularity and its risks.
What Is “Tusi,” and What’s in It?
The new tusi drug, sometimes spelled tuci drug, is a recreational stimulant that’s a mixture of different psychoactive substances. Most commonly, it contains some of the following: ketamine, MDMA, meth, caffeine powder and other mind-altering substances.
Interestingly enough, the mixture usually doesn’t contain any cocaine. It’s typically dyed pink and smells sweet, earning the nickname “pink cocaine.” Tusi is highly mind-altering, often causing hallucinations and a surge of energy.
Because tusi isn’t a specific recipe, you can get very different versions every time you purchase it. It’s up to the creator which substances are mixed together and in what quantities. As a result, taking tusi can produce very different effects from one time to the next.
The Rise of “Pink Cocaine” in Club and Party Scenes
Perhaps the most well-known story about pink cocaine is that it was in the system of famous singer Liam Payne when he fell to his death.
Vice reports that pink cocaine became popular in clubs across Argentina, Chile, Panama, Venezuela and Uruguay. From there, it spread to the club scenes in the United States and Europe. In 2022, the UN drugs report stated that pink cocaine has been found in “the UK, Austria, Switzerland, Canada and Southeast Asia.”
Partyers often use the drug because it combines ketamine’s sedative high, the stimulant effects of MDMA and caffeine and possible psychedelic effects like hallucinations.
Lately, there’s been a noticeable increase in reports of young people using tusi. In 2022, Energy Control (a drug harm reduction NGO) found that 1 in 5 people reported using tusi in the last 12 months.
The NGO tests drugs sent in by the public. In the previous 3 years, it’s received 150 samples of pink cocaine. But before 2019, it received only a handful of tusi samples a year.
The drug is a little less prevalent in the United States. Since 2020, the DEA has seized a total of 960 pink powders. It’s most often found in “club cities” like Miami, New York and Los Angeles. According to PoisonCenters.org, at least one death has been associated with pink cocaine use in the United States, as well as several hospitalizations with life-threatening symptoms.
Dangers of Unknown Drug Combinations
Part of the issue with taking a drug like tusi is that you don’t really know what you’re taking. Someone has cooked up their own version in their basement and sold it to you, and you never know when that particular combination could be lethal.
All the drugs found in pink cocaine are dangerous on their own. When mixed, they become even more hazardous because the combination might be too much for your body to handle.
Taking tusi is like taking a new drug every single time. It’s said that the only commonality with tusi is the pink color. Everything else can differ depending on who made it and what batch it was.
Short- and Long-Term Health Risks
Tusi is an incredibly dangerous drug because it’s a mixture of several illicit substances. It’s a drug with a higher risk of overdose.
Some of the short-term health risks include:
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Vomiting
Long-term health risks include:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Behavioral changes
- Cognitive impairments
- Depression
- Heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of stroke
- Memory problems
- Organ damage
- Psychosis
- Seizures
And, of course, this drug poses the risk of death.
Legal Status and Public Health Concerns
Tusi is a strong combination of various illicit drugs, so it’s classified as a controlled substance. Depending on which state you live in, possession or distribution of pink cocaine can have severe legal consequences. You could face a fine, probation or even a prison sentence.
The growing popularity of this drug is incredibly concerning, as it has a higher risk of leading to addiction, overdoses and fatalities. With the substance being circulated at parties and clubs, people who take it might already be intoxicated and not fully understand the risk they’re taking.
Getting Help for Polydrug Use
Using more than one drug at a time is called polydrug use. Illicit drugs have many concerning health and safety risks, and these are only intensified when many substances are mixed.
Knowingly engaging in frequent polydrug use is dangerous — essentially like waiting for a health risk to emerge. Even if you don’t use any other substances, consuming tusi on its own is considered polydrug use because it’s made up of many drugs.
The good news is help is available. Professional rehabilitation treatment programs are one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of addiction so you can regain control of your life.
Don’t let a pink-dyed party drug derail your entire life. Pink cocaine might sound like a fun time, but taking it can come with life-changing consequences.
Addiction Treatment Programs You Can Trust
At FHE Health, we utilize evidence-based clinical practices and cutting-edge technology to provide our patients with the best possible chance of a quick recovery. Your future is still in your hands; you just need to ask for professional support. Let our experts guide you to a better tomorrow.
Contact us today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs.
