What Is Pink Cocaine?

First of all, pink cocaine isn’t actually cocaine. It’s a mix of different synthetic (lab-made) drugs, which is then dyed pink to make it look more appealing. The original version contained a psychedelic drug called 2C-B. But now, it could be anything from ketamine to MDMA to meth, or even fentanyl—a super powerful opioid that’s been behind tons of overdoses in recent years. The ingredients change all the time, which makes every batch risky. You never really know what you’re taking. 

What Do Synthetic Drugs Do? 

Synthetic drugs are chemicals made to copy the effects of drugs like weed or coke. They’re made in labs, not from plants, which makes them super unpredictable. Some might give you a high, boost your mood, or mess with your senses. But others can make you hallucinate, black out, become violent, or have seizures. Drugs like K2 or Spice (synthetic marijuana) have even led to psychotic episodes and hospital visits. 

So, Why Are They So Dangerous? 

One word: uncertainty. You don’t know what’s in them. You don’t know how your body will react. And you don’t know how strong they are. Pink cocaine, for example, has been linked to fast heart rates, nausea, panic attacks, seizures, and even comas. Some synthetic drugs can cause paranoia or extreme aggression. And if there’s fentanyl involved, even a tiny bit can be deadly. 

The Numbers Don’t Lie 

• In 2023, there were nearly 882,000 ER visits related to opioids, including synthetic ones. 

• In 2022 alone, over 73,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids—mostly fentanyl. 

(Source: CDC & National Institute on Drug Abuse) 

This is real. And it’s happening now. 

What Can You Do? 

Knowledge = power. The more you know about what these drugs really are, the easier it is to make smart choices, and to help your friends stay safe too. If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, don’t wait. Reach out. Talk to a trusted adult, call a helpline, or visit a support center. There’s always help available. 

Join the Movement: #Don'tRiskItAll 

The City of Henderson is taking a stand with the #Don'tRiskItAll Fentanyl Awareness Campaign. Get involved, learn more, and find resources at DontRiskItAll.com/Resources. 

You have one body and one life. Don’t let a fake drug take that away.