The Drug Slang You Need to Know

If you or a loved one is dealing with substance addiction, educating yourself about the drug slang terms commonly used is the first place to start. Information ranging from different drugs to co-occurring disorders and treatment options is a great place to start. Another topic to educate yourself on is drug slang.

Drug slang or “street names” simply refers to the words or phrases used in place of actual drug names. Typically used by teenagers or younger adults, slang is used for several reasons. These reasons may include wanting to talk in code to hide their use or to fit in with the crowd. Whatever the reason, knowing drug slang for popular drugs could bring you one step closer to helping an individual with an addiction.

In addition to slang words, specific emojis have been linked to different drug use. Although not a one-case-fits-all scenario, if you see symbols such as a pill, syringe, diamond, or maple leaf, there may be a reason for concern.

Adderall Drug Slang

The stimulant drug Adderall is very commonly misused. When taken, Adderall helps improve attention spans, hyperactivity, and impulse control. Users often experience increased focus, a rush of energy, a sense of well-being, and increased feelings of confidence. Those seemingly positive effects are why it’s a common drug for students, athletes, and even professionals.

Common drug slang for Adderall includes:

  1. “Addys” or “A’s”: These terms are abbreviations for Adderall and are commonly used in informal conversations.
  2. “Study buddy”: This term refers to Adderall’s reputation for enhancing focus and concentration, making it popular among students who use it to aid studying or academic performance.
  3. “Smart drug”: Adderall is sometimes referred to as a “smart drug” due to its ability to improve cognitive function and productivity.
  4. “Speed” or “Uppers”: These terms are more general slang terms that can be used to describe stimulant drugs, including Adderall. They refer to the stimulating effects of the medication.
  5. “Vitamin A”: This term is a euphemism used to discreetly discuss Adderall, often among individuals who use it recreationally or without a prescription.
  6. “Beans” or “Beansprouts”: These terms are occasionally used to refer to Adderall. They likely originated from the pill’s appearance, which is small and round, resembling a bean or beansprout.

Other common Adderall drug slang names include:

  • Bennies
  • Black Beauties
  • Blue Pill
  • Copilots
  • Dexies
  • Pep Pills
  • Red Dexies
  • Red Pep
  • Smart Pills
  • Speed
  • Study Buddies
  • Truck Drivers
  • Uppers
  • Zing

Cocaine Drug Slang

Perhaps the most well-known illicit drug is Cocaine. The white powder is usually snorted and causes feelings of euphoria and energy. It is also highly addictive and dangerous, as the high doesn’t last long, and users crave more and more.

Common drug slang for cocaine includes:

  1. “Coke” or “Blow”: These terms are widely recognized and commonly used to refer to cocaine. “Coke” is an abbreviated form, while “Blow” alludes to the method of snorting cocaine powder through the nose.
  2. “Snow” or “White”: These terms describe the appearance of powdered cocaine, which often resembles fine white crystals or snowflakes. They serve as discreet code words for cocaine in certain circles.
  3. “Yayo” or “Yeyo”: These slang terms originated from Latin American countries and are commonly used to refer to cocaine.
  4. “Candy” or “Nose Candy”: These terms are used to describe cocaine, highlighting its reputation as a recreational substance. The term “Nose Candy” specifically refers to the common method of ingesting cocaine by snorting it through the nose.
  5. “Bump” or “Line”: These terms refer to specific methods of consuming cocaine. A “bump” typically refers to a small quantity of cocaine snorted in one inhalation, while a “line” refers to a longer, thin line of cocaine powder prepared for snorting.
  6. “Rock” or “Crack”: These terms are associated with the solid form of cocaine known as crack cocaine. “Rock” refers to the crystalline structure of crack, while “Crack” specifically denotes the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked.
  7. “Perico” or “Peruvian Lady”: These terms originated from Hispanic cultures and are often used to refer to cocaine, drawing connections to its geographical origin.

Other common Cocaine drug slang names include:

  • Apache
  • Bernice
  • Big C
  • Blonde
  • Blow
  • Candy
  • Crack
  • Dust
  • Flake
  • Rail
  • Rock
  • Scottie
  • Sneeze
  • Sniff
  • Toot
  • Zip

Meth Drug Slang

Medically referred to as Methamphetamine or crystal meth, this stimulant is similar to cocaine but almost three times as powerful. It is so addictive, that just one use can cause addiction and often leads to overdose and death.

  1. “Meth” or “Crystal”: These terms are used to refer to methamphetamine itself. “Meth” is the abbreviated form, while “Crystal” refers to the drug’s crystalline form, which resembles clear or bluish-white crystals.
  2. “Ice”: This term specifically refers to highly potent and pure forms of methamphetamine. The name “ice” reflects the drug’s translucent appearance, similar to ice crystals.
  3. “Crank”: “Crank” is a slang term often used to describe low-quality methamphetamine. It is typically associated with a lower purity level and a less refined manufacturing process.
  4. “Tina” or “T”: These are street names commonly used for methamphetamine. “Tina” is more prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community, while “T” is a shorter and more discreet term used in various circles.
  5. “Go fast” or “Speed”: These terms indicate the drug’s stimulant properties. “Go fast” implies the ability of meth to increase energy levels and keep users awake for extended periods, while “Speed” refers to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system.
  6. “Glass”: Similar to “ice,” “glass” is a term used to describe methamphetamine’s crystalline form. It alludes to the drug’s translucent appearance, resembling broken glass fragments.
  7. “Cristy” or “Christina”: These terms are more commonly used in certain regions to refer to methamphetamine. They serve as code words to discuss the drug discreetly.

Other common meth drug slang names include:

  • Chalk
  • Cookies
  • Cotton candy
  • Go
  • No doze
  • Pookie
  • Rocket fuel
  • Scooby Snax
  • Shards
  • Speed
  • Tina
  • Tweak
  • Wash
  • White cross
  • Whizz

Heroin Drug Slang

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, has developed its own extensive and ever-evolving slang terminology within drug culture. Understanding common drug slang terms associated with heroin is essential for recognizing potential signs of use and addressing the dangers associated with this illicit substance.

  1. “H”: “H” is a widely recognized term used to refer to heroin. It is derived from the initial letter of the drug’s name and is often used discreetly in conversations related to heroin.
  2. “Smack”: This term is a common street name for heroin. It refers to the sound made when the drug is prepared for injection and the needle punctures the skin.
  3. “Dope”: Another commonly used term for heroin, “dope” refers to the drug itself and is used interchangeably with other illicit substances in some contexts.
  4. “Junk”: This slang term is often associated with heroin, emphasizing its addictive nature. It alludes to the compulsion and dependency that users may experience.
  5. “Brown Sugar”: This slang term refers to heroin in its powdered form, which typically has a brownish or off-white color. It is a poetic euphemism used to disguise conversations related to the drug.
  6. “Boy”: A term used specifically to refer to heroin, “boy” is often used in urban areas to discuss the drug discreetly.
  7. “Chiva”: This term originated from Mexican Spanish and is commonly used in Hispanic communities to refer to heroin. It is a regional variation of the drug’s slang terminology.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, Emerge Healing Center is here to help you to determine the best treatment option for your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you on the right path to recovery. Our highly-trained staff is here to answer any questions you may have and get you into the most effective program possible.