Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.200

The Pink Illusion – From Entertainment at the INmusic Festival to Acute Psychosis

Ivan Ćelić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Mirna Babić ; General Hospital Varaždin, Ivana Meštrovića 1, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
Mislav Gušćić ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Lea Kozina ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nika Sutara ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička cesta 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Introduction: Pink cocaine (also known as tusi,
tucibi, or 2C‑B) has in recent years become increasingly
present on the European drug market.
It is a pink‑colored powder most often sold as an
exclusive recreational drug. Analyses of seized
samples show a highly heterogeneous composition
and contain ketamine, MDMA, cocaine,
synthetic cathinones, benzodiazepines, and other
psychoactive substances. Due to its unknown
and variable composition, users are exposed to an
increased risk of developing acute psychological
and somatic complications, including agitation,
psychotic symptoms, mood disturbances, and
suicidal behavior. Case report: A 27‑year‑old man,
with no prior psychiatric treatment, was brought
to the emergency psychiatric service after marked
psychomotor agitation, paranoid ideas, and disorganized behavior. According to collateral history,
over the weekend at a music festival he had
consumed several doses of so‑called pink cocaine,
which he had obtained as a “safer alternative to
cocaine.” He denied using other psychoactive substances.
At admission, he was extremely agitated,
suspicious of those around him, and convinced
that unknown persons were following, persecuting,
and eavesdropping on him. Toxicological
urine screening was positive for MDMA and ketamine,
and due to the risk of auto‑aggressive and
hetero‑aggressive behavior, hospitalization was
indicated. Based on the clinical picture, lorazepam
and olanzapine were prescribed, and a de‑escalation
procedure was applied. During inpatient
treatment, there was a gradual regression of psychotic
symptoms. After six days of treatment, no
psychotic features were recorded, and the patient
achieved partial insight into the connection between
his symptoms and drug use. Conclusion:
Pink cocaine (tusi) is increasingly appearing among
young people and represents a growing challenge
for psychiatric emergencies. In young patients
with acute psychotic decompensation, it is necessary
to obtain a detailed history regarding the
use of new psychoactive substances and to bear in
mind that the term “pink cocaine” does not denote
a specific chemical substance, but rather a mixture
of different psychoactive substances of unpredictable
composition and effects. The presented case
illustrates the potential of pink cocaine to induce
serious psychological complications and emphasizes
the importance of timely recognition and
adequate treatment of these patients.

Keywords

pink cocaine; new psychoactive substances; substance‑induced psychosis; emergency psychiatry

Hrčak ID:

352328

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352328

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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