Street Names for Common Street Drugs
Understanding street names for drugs is an important step in recognizing substance abuse, preventing drug abuse, and knowing when to seek help. Many street drugs are disguised behind harmless-sounding slang, which can make drug use harder to identify for loved ones, employers, educators, and even medical professionals. This basic information can help people better understand illicit drugs, their risks, and why professional treatment matters.
Street names change constantly and often vary by region, age group, and culture. While some names may sound playful or harmless, illegal drugs can cause serious health disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and even grievous bodily harm. Below is an overview of commonly misused substances and the street names often associated with them.
Prescription Drugs and Pills
Many prescription drugs are misused outside of medical use, especially pills prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, or pain. Sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, and opioid medications can depress the central nervous system, slow brain functions, and alter a person’s mood.
Common street names include chill pills, cat valium, black beauties, red birds, red devils, little c, captain Cody, Miss Emma, LA turnaround, and R ball. Some opioid pills are referred to as hillbilly heroin or China girl, while stronger synthetic opioids may be called China white. Misuse of these prescription drugs greatly increases the risk of opioid overdose, irregular heartbeat, and long-term addiction.
Stimulants and Party Drugs
Stimulants are often associated with increased energy, intense happiness, and heightened alertness, but high doses can be extremely dangerous. Crystal meth, often shortened to meth, is one of the most addictive street drugs and can cause severe damage to physical health and mental well-being. Street names include Georgia Home Boy, crank, and other regional slang.
Crack cocaine, commonly called crack, is another powerful stimulant linked to addiction, paranoia, and cardiovascular damage. Prolonged use can lead to substance use disorders, sleep problems, and emotional instability.
Some so-called smart drug or party drug labels are misleading. Substances marketed this way can disrupt brain functions, cause irregular heartbeat, and increase the risk of long-term harm. Truck drivers and shift workers have historically misused stimulants to stay awake, but the consequences can be life-threatening.
Club Drugs and Hallucinogens
Club and hallucinogenic drugs are often associated with dance culture, music festivals, and rave environments. Liquid ecstasy, also known as purple passion in some circles, is a depressant that can cause disinhibition, memory loss, and overdose when combined with alcohol. Angel dust, also called PCP, can lead to aggression, hallucinations, and dangerous behavior.
Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD, is sometimes referred to as acid or dance fever. Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and are often underestimated, yet they can trigger anxiety, panic, and lasting psychological effects.
Special K is a street name for ketamine, a drug with limited medical use but high abuse potential. Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is sometimes inhaled recreationally despite its association with oxygen deprivation and nerve damage.
Cough Syrups and Synthetic Substances
Certain over-the-counter medications are misused for their psychoactive effects. Robitussin a c and similar cough syrups are sometimes mixed with soda to create purple drank or purple passion. These mixtures can suppress breathing and strain the liver when taken in high doses.
Bath salts are synthetic drugs that can cause extreme agitation, paranoia, and violent behavior. Despite the name, they are not related to bathing products and fall firmly under illegal drugs.
Marijuana and Cannabis Slang
Marijuana, also known as weed or Mary Jane, is one of the most widely used substances. While some states allow limited medical or recreational marijuana use, misuse can still affect memory, motivation, and mental health. Street names may include French Fries or other slang that disguises drug use.
Some individuals use marijuana to treat anxiety or sleep problems, but unsupervised use can worsen underlying causes of mental health disorders or lead to dependency.
Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Anabolic steroids are sometimes used to promote muscle growth or weight gain. While vitamin supplements play a role in health, misuse of steroids can damage the heart, liver, and hormonal systems. Long-term use may result in mood swings, aggression, and fertility issues.
Steroids are not vitamins, and taking them without medical oversight can undermine overall health.
Health Risks and Long-Term Effects
Across all substances, the risks are significant. Substance abuse can cause changes in appetite, including increased appetite or extreme weight loss. Some drugs interfere with vitamin absorption, including vitamin k, leading to blood and bone health issues.
Drug use can escalate quickly, especially when substances are combined. Mixing depressants, stimulants, or alcohol increases the risk of overdose, accidents, and lasting damage to the brain and body.
Finding Treatment and Support
Recognizing street names is only one part of addressing substance use. Addiction is a medical condition influenced by genetics, environment, trauma, and mental health. The National Institute and other research organizations emphasize that effective treatment addresses both physical dependence and psychological factors.
Treatment options may include medical detox, therapy, and long-term support to address underlying causes and prevent relapse. With the right care, people can regain stability, improve well-being, and rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drugs or substance use disorders, professional treatment can help. Recovery is possible, and seeking support is a powerful first step toward lasting health.