RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The recreational drug called “pink cocaine” has been in the headlines recently after it was announced that it played a role in the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne.

Also known as “cough”, pink cocaine is a mixture of different drugs that have been artificially dyed pink. What makes pink cocaine alarming is that it usually does not contain any cocaine, but is a mixture of other stimulants and opioids. It will most likely contain MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and opioids, essentially creating what is known as a “speed ball.”

Join Northern Nevada together (JTNN) shared how substance and drug trends that start on the east coast tend to move west and gain traction. Although Washoe County has not seen or seized any pink cocaine, it expects to see it in the next year.

JTNN Executive Director Ann-Elizabeth Northan shares how there is also a correlation between media coverage of drugs and interest in or use of the same drugs. While it is almost impossible to prevent all drug use, Northan expresses great concern about the glorification of drug use in pop culture and that it is increasingly becoming the social norm.

“Most of the colored powders that come in and are seized and examined by our labs are actually fentanyl or have a mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Pink cocaine is becoming known as the party drug on the east coast, and so when people look for substances like fentanyl in our community, the concern is that it would create a fentanyl overdose uptake and dangers to our community. “

Join Together Northern Nevada encourages parents and families to begin having open conversations with their children about the potential risks and dangers associated with drug use. Northan also suggests that parents are becoming more informed about “cutting edge” trends in the drug world.

JTNN believes in meeting people where they are and knowing what resources are available in the community. They emphasize that risk reduction is the most important step in recovery treatment.

For local and statewide resources, please visit and https://healthiernv.org/.

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