Street Names for Drugs You Should Know

Drug abuse is a problem that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world. While you might recognize drugs like cocaine and opioids, you might not know common street names for drugs like snow and smack. Learning street names for the most commonly abused drugs is a great way to be on alert for a loved one’s substance use. If you ever hear someone you know using these names, they’re likely using one or more of these commonly abused drugs.

Benzodiazepines

Sometimes called “benzos,” these are psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. However, they have a high potential for misuse and can be highly addictive, making them extremely dangerous.

Hallucinogens

These are psychoactive substances that cause people to experience hallucinations and other mind-altering experiences. Common hallucinogens include ayahuasca, ketamine, kratom, LSD, mushrooms, and salvia. These are common club drugs that cause psychoactive experiences young people seek.

Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most potent stimulants, mostly used as a recreational drug. People usually snort, smoke, or inject coke. It causes an intense feeling of happiness, loss of contact with reality, and agitation. However, cocaine addiction can be lethal as overdose is a reality of many addicts. Drug slang for cocaine includes slang terms for crack cocaine as well.

Heroin

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine. It produces a surge of pleasure or euphoria. Heroin is a highly addictive substance that can lead to life-threatening health consequences when abused.

Marijuana and Synthetic Marijuana

Although marijuana is legal in over 30 states across the country, it is still easily found on the streets illegally. Marijuana and synthetic drugs are both addictive substances, despite having potential medicinal properties. Unfortunately, with the legalization of marijuana, it’s becoming more challenging to keep track of those who struggle with marijuana use disorder.

Ecstasy/Molly

MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is a psychoactive drug mostly used for recreational purposes. Ecstasy gained a “party drug” reputation because it causes increased energy, pleasure, empathy, and altered sensations. Its effects can last up to six hours. However, these substances are highly addictive and can lead users to engage in risky behaviors like unprotected sex, participating in illegal activities, and driving under the influence.

Methamphetamine

A controlled prescription medication that could help treat ADHD. Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that’s highly addictive. It causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria.

Inhalants

Inhalants are a severe and hidden danger in most of our homes. Particularly among children and teenagers who use spray paint and cleaning products to get “high.” These substances are not intended for human consumption and can have tremendous health consequences long-term.

Opioids 

Prescription drugs are among the most commonly used drugs in the country. Even after the crackdown and efforts from various agencies, people continue to misuse and abuse prescription opioids. Besides, these pills are easily found on the streets, usually under these names. 

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Even though they’re safe to use for most people, many over-the-counter drugs have addictive properties when misused. Dramamine, DXM, and Sudafed are common OTC drugs that are misused for recreational purposes.

• Dime tabs
• Substance D
• Dex
• Poor man’s ecstasy
• Red devils
• Robotripping
• Chalk
• Crack
• Speed

Sleeping Pills

Although not mentioned enough, sleeping pills addiction is very much a reality and can be fatal. About 4% of U.S. adults over the age of 20 abused prescription sleeping pills; that’s about 9 million people, not including those abusing OTC sleeping pills.

• Date rape drug
• Forget-Me pill
• R2
• Roche
• Roofies
• Rohypnol
• Rope
• Rophies
• Barbs
• Redbirds
• Yellowjackets

Stimulants

Steroids, amphetamines, antidepressants, and diet pills are all considered stimulant drugs. Although widely available both with prescriptions and over-the-counter, these drugs can be highly addictive.

How to Know If Someone Is Using Drugs?

If you believe someone you know might be under the influence of drugs, knowing these common street names can help. Do your best to familiarize yourself with the signs of drug and alcohol abuse. Be on the lookout for drug paraphernalia, sudden changes in mood, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, sudden weight loss, and more. 

If you or someone you know are struggling with substance abuse, please seek help immediately. Contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and start your journey towards recovery today.