The world of illicit substances is shrouded in complex and ever-changing language. A vast lexicon of street drug names is used to disguise communication between dealers and users, preventing detection by law enforcement and parents. These terms can vary based on a drug's appearance, effects, geographical origin, or even current pop culture trends. Understanding this evolving terminology is a critical first step in recognizing and addressing the signs of substance abuse. This comprehensive guide breaks down the common street names associated with various drug classes, from dangerous synthetic opioids to hallucinogens and prescription medications.
Opioids and Painkillers
Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal substances like heroin and highly potent prescription painkillers. Due to the high potential for abuse and overdose, slang is a common practice in their illicit trade.
Heroin
Processed from morphine, heroin is a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance known as black tar heroin.
Common street names:
smackdopejunkHblack tarbrown sugarskaghorse
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, leading to increased overdose risk.
Common street names:
ApacheChina WhiteChina GirlTango & CashMurder 8FentyDance Fever
Prescription Opioids
Legally prescribed painkillers are often diverted for illicit use.
Common street names:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet):
Oxy,OC,Percs,Hillbilly Heroin - Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab):
Vikes,Hydro - Hydromorphone (Dilaudid):
Dillies,Juice
Stimulants
Stimulants increase alertness, energy, and heart rate. Abused for their euphoric effects, they are highly addictive and carry serious cardiovascular risks.
Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine is a white powder, while crack is a crystalline, smokable form.
Common street names:
cokeblowsnowrock(for crack)flakenose candyCharlie
Methamphetamine
A powerful and highly addictive stimulant, methamphetamine comes in powder or crystal form, often referred to as crystal meth.
Common street names:
methcrystal methicecrankspeedchalkTina
Prescription Stimulants
Prescribed for ADHD, stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are often abused by students and others seeking heightened focus or a high.
Common street names:
- Adderall:
addy,bennies,black beauties - Ritalin:
vitamin R,skippy,smarties,kiddy coke
Hallucinogens and Club Drugs
This category includes drugs that alter perception, mood, and consciousness, often used in social settings like nightclubs or raves.
MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly)
MDMA is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.
Common street names:
EXTCmollybeansadamhug drug
LSD
A potent hallucinogen, LSD is typically sold on blotter paper with a distinctive design.
Common street names:
acidblottertabsdotstripsLucy
Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
Found in certain types of mushrooms, psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic.
Common street names:
shroomsmagic mushroomsmushiesboomers
Other Notable Street Drugs and Combinations
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Derived from the cannabis plant, marijuana has a vast array of slang names.
Common street names:
weedpotganjaMary Janeherbbudchronic
Drug Combinations
Mixing drugs, or polysubstance use, is a dangerous practice with its own specific slang.
Common combination names:
- Speedball: Cocaine and heroin
- Candyflipping: LSD and MDMA
- Cheese: Heroin mixed with diphenhydramine
- Waffle dust: Ecstasy and methamphetamine
Comparison of Common Street Drug Categories
| Feature | Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Meth) | Opioids (e.g., Heroin, Fentanyl) | Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, MDMA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White powder, crystal shards, pills | White/brown powder, black tar, pills | Blotter paper, powder, tablets, mushrooms |
| Common Street Names | Coke, ice, crank, speed, addy | Smack, H, junk, Apache, Percs, Dillies | Acid, molly, shrooms, tabs, trips |
| Primary Effect | Increased energy, euphoria, alertness | Euphoria, pain relief, drowsiness | Altered perception, mood, thoughts |
| Method of Use | Snorted, smoked, injected, oral | Injected, snorted, smoked, oral | Oral (swallowed, paper on tongue), smoked |
The Changing Face of Drug Slang
Several factors contribute to the evolution of drug slang, making it a moving target for parents and authorities. The internet and social media have accelerated this process, with new terms and drug names spreading faster than ever. Regional variations also play a significant role; a term common in one city may be unknown in another. For instance, flake for cocaine might be common in California, while other regions use different terms. Some slang terms are inspired by the drug's appearance, like ice for crystal meth, or its effects, like hug drug for MDMA. In other cases, they are completely obscure, designed to sound innocent to outsiders.
Conclusion
Recognizing the common and evolving street names for drugs is essential for identifying potential substance abuse and protecting loved ones. While the list of street drug names is constantly changing, being aware of the general categories and common terms is a powerful tool for prevention and intervention. If you suspect someone is struggling with addiction, understanding their communication is a first step toward offering help. For more information on identifying and preventing drug use, consult authoritative sources on substance abuse, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
