Medical Reviewer: Rachel Hoyo-Barrett, RN

If you’re worried that someone you care about might be using methamphetamine, or if you’ve found something you can’t identify, you’re probably feeling scared and overwhelmed. It’s a heavy weight to carry, and looking for answers is a brave first step. Knowing what you’re dealing with can give you a sense of clarity and help you figure out what to do next. This guide is here to walk you through how to identify meth in its different forms, not to cause more fear, but to give you clear, honest information so you can move forward with confidence and find the support you and your loved ones need.

Brightly colored powders and flashy nicknames can make dangerous drugs seem less threatening, and that’s exactly what’s happening with “pink cocaine.” Despite its name and appearance, pink cocaine isn’t a single drug or a harmless party trend. It’s often a risky mix of substances like cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and sometimes even fentanyl. This unpredictable combination has made pink cocaine an increasingly dangerous presence in clubs, festivals, and social circles, especially among young adults.

Many people who struggle with methamphetamine use, whether personally or through watching someone they love engage with the substance, may be curious just how long meth stays in the body and how this might impact overall recovery.

Anxious? You’re not alone—and if alcohol’s been your go-to for calming the nerves, it might be doing more harm than good. Alcohol and anxiety are more connected than most people realize. What starts as a glass to “take the edge off” can slowly fuel a cycle of heightened stress, panic attacks, and mood instability.

Many people mistakenly believe that drug dependence and drug addiction are the same—but in medical and behavioral health contexts, they describe different aspects of substance use disorders. Knowing the difference is vital for patients, family members, and providers seeking the most effective treatment options and paths to long-term recovery.