Pink Cocaine | What Is 2C-B?

2C-B, or pink cocaine, is a synthetic drug that causes hallucinations and stimulant effects. It is considered a "party drug" that may be taken instead of, or alongside, hallucinogenic drugs like ecstasy (MDMA) or LSD.

2C-B, or pink cocaine, is a synthetic drug that causes hallucinations and stimulant effects. It is considered a “party drug” that may be taken instead of, or alongside, hallucinogenic drugs like ecstasy (MDMA) or LSD.

Though it is commonly known as pink cocaine, 2C-B is not related to cocaine hydrochloride. It has shared side effects with cocaine as well as ketamine, LSD, and other amphetamines and hallucinogens.

Like cocaine, which comes in a white powder, pink cocaine often comes in a pink powder. It may also take the form of tablets or pills.

History Of 2C-B/Pink Cocaine

Little scientific data exists on pink cocaine, but it is not a new drug. It gained popularity as a party drug in Europe in the 1990s, when Alexander Shulgin published a book detailing how to make hundreds of mind-altering compounds. These compounds included 2C-B, a term he coined himself.

Today, pink cocaine enters countries through illegal drug trafficking operations. South America saw a recent uptick in pink cocaine use, especially in Argentina and Uruguay. Supplies seized by law enforcement were suspected to come from drug rings in Colombia.

2C-B has been a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S. since 1995, where it still sees drug abuse today. In South American countries like Argentina, pink cocaine may be sold as cocaine to party-goers.

How 2C-B Works

Studies on designer and synthetic drugs tend to be limited, especially compared to naturally-derived substances. The data that exists suggests that pink cocaine affects norepinephrine and serotonin levels, neurotransmitters that control mood, cognition, and your nervous system.

An organic compound known as phenylethylamine makes up a large portion of 2C-B’s chemical structure. Phenylethylamines are present in many illicit drugs, such as methamphetamines and mescaline, and naturally-occurring chemicals in your brain like dopamine.

The effects of 2C-B may depend on the dosage. In small doses, it may produce stimulant effects similar to amphetamines. In moderate doses, it may cause hallucinations. In high doses, high blood pressure and heart rate may occur along with hallucinations.

Effects Of 2C-B

The effects of pink cocaine are mostly gathered from personal evidence, instead of scientific studies. Because designer drugs are mostly illegal, any form of pink cocaine use is also a form of substance abuse.

2C-B is commonly mixed with additives. These additives can come with additional side effects, and can increase the number of drugs sold without adding more 2C-B. Knowing what effects you will experience can be difficult since every batch may have different ingredients.

The long-term effects of 2C-B usage are mostly unknown. The short-term effects of pink cocaine vary widely and may include:

  • hallucinations
  • slowed breathing
  • changes in energy
  • euphoria
  • increased heart rate
  • increased blood pressure
  • vomiting
  • seizures
  • psychosis

Treating Illicit Drug Abuse

Taking designer drugs is a dangerous form of drug use. These drugs tend to be unregulated and little data exists on their long-term effects. If you or a loved one are suffering from the effects of synthetic drug abuse, there are options available.

Treatment options for synthetic drug abuse involve reducing symptoms and side effects. Agitated patients may be given benzodiazepines and neuroleptics. Ketamine has been suggested as a treatment but is not approved for this purpose in the U.S.

To find effective, intensive drug abuse treatment in Massachusetts, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.

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Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team

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