Knowing the street names for commonly abused drugs is crucial for anyone concerned about a loved one potentially involved with drugs. These drug slang terms often serve as a code that hides drug use in plain sight, making it difficult for parents, educators, and friends to recognize when someone might need help.
This glossary aims to demystify the language of drug use, making it easier for you to spot warning signs and start important conversations.
Opioid Street Names
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal prescription drug pain relievers, such as oxycodone and morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. They are known for their potent pain-relieving properties but also for their high potential for addiction and overdose.
| Common Name | Street Names |
| Heroin | H, Smack, Dope, China White, Horse, Skag, Junk, Black Tar, Big H, Brown Sugar, Mud, Dragon, Boy, Mexican Brown, Thunder, Skunk |
| Oxycodone | O.C., Oxycet, Oxycotton, Oxy, Hillbilly Heroin, Percs, O, Ox, Blue, 512s, Kickers, Killers |
| Hydrocodone | Vike, Watsons, Watson-387, Vics, Vicos, Hydros, Lorris, Fluff, Scratch, Norco, Idiot Pills, Tabs, 357s |
| Fentanyl | Apache, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfella, Jackpot, Murder 8, Tango and Cash, TNT |
| Morphine | M, Miss Emma, Monkey, White Stuff |
| Codeine | Captain Cody, Cody, Lean, Schoolboy, Sizzurp, Purple Drank, Doors & Fours, Loads, Pancakes and Syrup |
Stimulant Street Names
Stimulants make up a class of drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy by accelerating the activity in the brain and nervous system. They range from prescription medications, like amphetamines prescribed for ADHD, to illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
While some stimulants have legitimate medical uses, their potential for abuse and addiction is high, leading to serious health risks including heart attack, high blood pressure, and mental health disorders.
| Common Name | Street Names |
| Cocaine | Coke, Blow, Rock, Crack, Yayo, Snow, Sniff, Sneeze, White, Nose Candy, Bernice, Toot, Line, Dust, Flake |
| Methamphetamine | Crystal, Meth, Cristy, Tina, Crank, Crissy, Tweak, Glass, Ice, Shards, Go, Whizz, Chalk, Speed |
| Amphetamine (Adderall) | Addys, Uppers, Beans, Black Beauties, Pep Pills, Speed, Dexies, Zing, Study Buddies, Smart Pills |
| MDMA (Ecstasy) | X, E, XTC, Molly, Rolls, Hug, Hug Drug, Love Drug, Lover’s Speed, Beans, Adam, Eve, Clarity, Moon Rocks, Happy Pill, Dancing Shoes, Scooby Snacks, Candy, Peace, Uppers |
| Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) | Vitamin R, R-ball, Rids, Rit, Diet Coke, Kiddie Cocaine, Kiddie Coke, Skippy, Pineapple, Kibbles and Bits, Skittles, Smarties, Poor Man’s Cocaine |
| Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones) | Cloud 9, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning, Bloom, Scarface, Bliss, Drone, Energy-1, Meow Meow, Pure Ivory, Blue Silk, Stardust, Lunar Wave, Wicked X |
Depressant Street Names
Depressants are a category of drugs that reduce arousal and stimulation in the user, affecting the central nervous system. They include a wide range of substances from prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, to alcohol.
Although many depressants are used legally and prescribed for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and other disorders, their misuse can lead to severe dependency and dangerous side effects, including overdose.
| Common Name | Street Names |
| Alprazolam (Xanax) | Xannies, Bars, Z-bars, School bus, Planks, Bricks, Benzos, Barbs, Phennies, Red Birds, Reds, Tooies, Yellow Jackets, Yellows |
| Diazepam (Valium) | Vs, Yellow Vs, Blue Vs, Benzos, Valleys, Vals, Vallies, Candy, French Blues, Blues |
| Lorazepam (Ativan) | Tranks, Atties, Lorries, Benzos, Tranqs, Downers, Nerve Pills |
| Clonazepam (Klonopin) | K-pins, Super Valium, Benzos, K & K-pin, Pin, Sleepers, Chill Pills, Planks |
| Phenobarbital | Purple hearts, Goof balls, Barbs, Downers, Christmas trees, Blue heavens, Blues, Blockbusters, Pinks, Rainbows, Reds, Red devils, Reds and blues, Sekkies, Sleepers, Yellow jackets |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Reds, Red birds, Red devils |
| Barbiturates (general) | Barbs, Blockbusters, Christmas trees, Downers, Pinks |
| GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) | G, Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy, Juice, Liquid X, Fantasy, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Soap, Scoop |
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, leading to experiences that can seem real but are not. These substances can cause hallucinations or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Hallucinogens come in various forms, including natural substances like psilocybin mushrooms and synthetic drugs such as LSD.
While many use these drugs for spiritual or recreational purposes, they are known to cause distressing or traumatic experiences, increase the risk of mental health issues, and carry the risk of addiction.
| Common Name | Street Names |
| LSD | Acid, L, Lucy, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Cid, Tabs, Doses, Blotter, California Sunshine, Yellow Sunshine, Window Pane, Battery Acid, Dots, Looney Toons, Blue Heaven, Superman, Cubes |
| Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) | Magic Mushrooms, Shrooms, Boomers, Caps, Mushies, Buttons, Magics, Blue Meanies, Liberty Caps, Cubes, Liberties |
| MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) | XTC, E, X, Beans, Adams, Molly, Rolls, Clarity, Love Drug |
| DMT | Dimitri, The Rogan, The Spirit Molecule, Businessman’s Trip, Fantasia |
| Mescaline (Peyote) | Big Chief, Blue Caps, Buttons, Cactus, Mescal, Moon, San Pedro, Topi, Peyote |
| PCP | Angel, Angel Dust, Dust, Purple Rain, Rocket Fuel, Stardust, Water, Yellow Fever, Zombie, Love Boat, Embalming Fluid, Hog, Superweed, Wack |
| Ketamine | K, Ket, Special K, Vitamin K, Green K, Super C, Super Acid, Special La Coke, Jet, Purple, Kit Kat, Cat Valium, Honey Oil, Blind Squid, K-Hole, Kay, Super Acid |
| Salvia divinorum | Magic Mint, Maria Pastora, Sally-D, Shepherdess’ Herb, Diviner’s Sage |
Inhalant Street Names
Inhalants are substances that are sniffed or inhaled to give the user an immediate high. They include a wide range of common household products, such as aerosol sprays, glue, and markers, which makes them easily accessible and often overlooked as potential sources of abuse. The effects of inhalants are varied but can be very harmful, even with just one use.
| Common Name | Street Names |
| Nitrous oxide | Laughing gas, Nitro, N2O, NOS, Nangs, Whippet, Hippy crack, Buzz bomb, Balloons |
| Glue | Sniff, Huff |
| Aerosol sprays | Spray, Blast |
| Butane | Buzz bomb |
| Computer duster | Dusting |
| Gasoline | Huff |
What to Do if You Suspect Your Loved One Is Using Drugs
If you’re concerned that a loved one might be abusing drugs or have a substance use disorder, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care, understanding, and informed action.
Here are straightforward steps to effectively address your concerns:
- Learn About Drugs
Understand the signs and effects of drug use. - Observe Changes
Look for shifts in behavior, health problems, and a change in habits. - Talk Openly
Approach them calmly, avoiding blame or judgment. - Listen
Offer an ear and support without judgment. - Suggest Help
Encourage consulting professionals and seeking addiction treatment. - Explore Treatments
Research various recovery options and support. - Set Boundaries
Clearly communicate non-negotiable behaviors. - Self-Care
Ensure your own well-being while supporting them.
Help Your Loved One Heal
Discovering a loved one may be struggling with drug use can be a daunting reality to face. However, you’re not alone in this journey. Del Arroyo Recovery Center’s inpatient rehabilitation program offers a structured and supportive environment for drug and alcohol addiction recovery, where individuals can focus entirely on their well-being and healing.
Our comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services provide the tools and support necessary for overcoming drug addiction, including medical detoxification, personalized therapy, and aftercare planning to ensure long-term success. If you’re ready to take a step toward recovery for your loved one, reach out to us.
Together, we can pave the path to a healthier, drug-free life. Contact us to start this transformative journey today.
