There are a variety of street names associated with the most common drugs, and it can be difficult to keep up with all of them. It is essential for parents, teachers, and others in positions of authority to be aware of these names. If drug use is occurring, you can pick up on it and take the necessary steps to ensure it stops and the individual or individuals get the help they need. 

Street names are used when referring to drugs for a variety of reasons. Often it is a way of communicating with someone else about a substance without being overheard by others. It can also be a way of avoiding the suspicion of police if they are communicating about a substance virtually, through social media, or by texting. 

Common Street Names for Benzodiazepines 

As a general group, benzodiazepines are often referred to as benzos, chill pills, zanies, and bars. Other names include:

• Lorazepam: sleeping pills, downers, candy
• Diazepam: jellies, vallies, eggs
• Clonazepam: k, k-pin, super valium
• Chlordiazepoxide: sleeping pills, tranks, candy
• Alprazolam: xan, xannies, z-bars, bars, ladders

Common Street Names for Hallucinogens

• Ketamine: special k, super acid, cat valium, k, kay, vitamin k
• Gamma-hydroxybutyric (GHB): date rape drug, liquid e, g
• N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT): the spirit molecule, dimitri
• Kratom: herbal speedball, thom, ketum, kahyam
• D-lysergic acid Ddiethylamide (LSD): acid, dots, blotter, sugar cubes, yellow sunshine
• Mushrooms: shrooms, tweezes, magic mushrooms, caps, boomers, pizza toppings 
• Phencyclidine (PCP): purple rain, rocket fuel, stardust, yellow fever, angel, angel dust
• Peyote: cactus, black button, tops, half moon, nubs
• Synthetic cathinones: bath salts, cloud nine, bliss, white lightning 

Common Street Names for Illicit Drugs 

• Black tar heroin: Mexican tar, chiva, Mexican heroin
• Cocaine: crack, coke, snow, stardust, bic c, blow, candy, pearl, powder, stash, snow
• Cocaine and heroin: speedball
• Marijuana: 420, dope, bud, grass, green, weed, hash, herb, mary jane, skunk, pot, herb, flower, jane, smoke, reefer
• Ecstasy/Molly (MDMA): speed, rolls, candy, smarties, vitamin e, vitamin x, e, happy pills, beans
• Heroin: dope, black tar, china white, number 3, smack, brown sugar, dragon
• Methamphetamine: scooby snacks, speed, crystal, crystal meth, meth, chalk
• Synthetic marijuana: spice, moon rocks, k2

Common Street Names for Stimulants

• Antidepressants: happy pill, wonder drug, miracle drug
• Amphetamine: speed, uppers, hearts, truck drivers 
• Diet pills: speed, crank, fastin 
• Methylphenidate (Concerta): mph, skippy, jif
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin): vitamin r, the smart drug, r-ball
• Steroids: juice, pumper, roids, stackers, juice, gym candy

Common Street Names for Opioids

• Codeine: cody, little c, caption cody
• Codeine mixed with promethazine: lean, purple drink, texas tea
• Hydrocodone: tabs, vikes, 357s
• Hydromorphone: smack, juice, d
• Methadone: mud, red rock, dols, tootsie roll
• Morphine: m, morpho, God’s drug
• Oxycodone (OxyContin): oxy, oxycotton, 30s, o.x., roxy
• Oxycodone (Percocet): percs, m-30s, 512s, tires 
• Propoxyphene: 65s, n’s, footballs
• Tramadol: trammies, ultras, chill pills 

Common Street Names for Inhalants

• Nitrous oxide: laughing gas, whippets, hippie crack
• Amyl nitrate: pearls, poppers, amys
• Isobutyl nitrate: rush, poppers, thrust, bullet

Common Street Names for Over the Counter Drugs 

• Pseudoephedrine(Sudafed): speed, crank, chalk
• Dextromethorphan (DXM): dex, drix, robo, robotripping
• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine): dime, substance d, tabs 

What to Do if You Suspect Someone Is Doing Drugs 

#1. If the person you suspect is doing drugs is a classmate of yours, the best thing to do is speak with the school counselor or a trusted adult. You may be hesitant to do this out of fear that they will find out or that you will get them into trouble. Do not let this fear hold you back as coming forward and saying something can be the difference between them getting the help they need or preventing them from experiencing a serious health crisis. 

#2. If the person you believe is doing drugs is an adult friend or family member of yours, it is important that you gently approach them about it. Make it clear that you are concerned for their safety and are coming from a place of love and not judgment. Encourage them to seek treatment and assure them that you will be there to support them in any way they need. Be sure to speak calmly and avoid letting your emotions get the best of you. 

#3. If the person you believe is doing drugs is your child, it is critical that you take action right away. When you approach them, let them know your suspicions and calmly try to get them to open up about their substance use. You can also speak with your child’s pediatrician to learn about what treatment options are available. To prevent your child from using again, take a look around the house to ensure no more drugs have been hidden. 

There are a variety of street names for just about every common drug. People use street names when talking about drugs to avoid being overheard by authority figures and getting in trouble. It is vital for parents and teachers to educate themselves regarding these common street names. This way, if drug use is going on around them, they can take action as soon as possible. If you believe someone you know is doing drugs, it is important to do something right away, even if you are worried about the consequences. Remember that potentially saving a person’s life outweighs any possible negative outcomes for them or for you. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at Kimberly Center is here to help. We have guided countless individuals in taking their lives back from addiction. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more and get help.