Cocaine and Alcohol taken together metabolises in the liver to create Cocaethylene (abbreviate to Co-alc). The Co-alc Alliance is an independent task group set up in January 2021 to increase awareness of increased risk of suicide in persons taking alcohol and cocaine together
See Say Signpost was a leaflet first produced by The Co-alc Alliance as part of the work of Cwm Taff Morgannwg Suicide and Self-Harm Sub-Group, with support from the Together for Mental Health Service User Representatives and Bagsy.
This group, set up and led by former Samaritan Volunteer, Maggie Cee, and bereaved mothers and leading campaigners Nicola Abraham of the Jacob Abraham Foundation, Nicola Smerdon of 4Tom Organisation in South Wales, and Nadine and Mandy of the Ginger Heart Foundation in Lancashire, is supported by over 50 engagement partners from public services, third sector organisations, and health services, who have attend meetings and share their understanding and knowledge.
Following on from years of campaigning and bringing awareness to the dangers associated with cocaethylene, the group recently premiered their community-driven documentary The White Elephant in the Room exploring the hidden, life-threatening risks of mixing cocaine and alcohol, due to the sudden onset of suicidal ideation that can occur during the comedown.
The documentary premiered at University of South Wales on April 21st 2026, with a focus on the devastating reality of the comedown—including severe anxiety, isolation, and the impact on young people who may appear to have no prior mental health history.
The documentary is still awaiting full public release, but in the meantime you can find out more about the Co-alc Alliance by visiting their website through the link below, where a full list of the alliance’s presentations, training, and design services are also listed.
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