What Are Some of the Common Street Names For Drugs?

Street names for drugs change often, and new ones are frequently introduced. That’s why it’s important to stay educated on drug slang. This knowledge can help you spot signs of teen substance abuse and steer your teen toward addiction treatment. If your teen is struggling with any of these drugs, get them the help they need as soon as possible.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that comes from the cannabis sativa plant. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives it its psychoactive effects.

It can be smoked in a cigarette or joint, brewed as tea, or eaten orally. Some people mix marijuana with other drugs, such as alcohol or cigarettes, to make a stronger high.

Some common street names for marijuana include weed, pot, grass, and Mary Jane. Others, such as kush, skunk, and headies, are more specific.

The Sativa and Indica varieties of marijuana differ primarily in chemical levels, although both have some similarities. Sativa strains give users more mental energy and euphoria, while Indica strains are more relaxing and have appetite-stimulating effects.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are unregulated mind-altering chemicals that have become available on the market. These substances include synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of THC.

These chemicals are manufactured in laboratories and sold as liquids to be vaporized or inhaled by e-cigarettes. Some bind much more strongly to THC receptors than regular marijuana, which may produce stronger, unpredictable, and even dangerous effects.

Symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid poisoning include agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (fast heart rate), elevated blood pressure, tremors and seizures. They also cause hallucinations and paranoia and can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Opioids

Drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States, and people abuse prescription medications and illegal substances. Whether you have a child abusing drugs or are concerned about a loved one, learning the common street names for drugs can help determine if they have a substance use disorder and need treatment.

Opioids are narcotics that have pain relieving effects. They can be found in powder, liquid or tablet form. Prescription opiates include morphine, codeine and oxycodone.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 100 times stronger than morphine. It can be mixed with heroin or other opiate drugs to increase its potency. When injected, it causes an intense, short-term high and can cause euphoria, slowed breathing, reduced blood pressure, collapsed veins, nausea, vomiting and even death.

Benzos

Benzos, also called benzodiazepines, are a group of drugs that doctors use to treat anxiety and sleep problems. They can also treat muscle spasms, seizures, drug and alcohol withdrawal and tremors.

Although doctors generally prescribe benzodiazepines, they can be addictive and difficult to quit. If you or a loved one has become addicted to these medications, it is important to seek treatment immediately.

The most common street names for benzos are Xanax, Valium and Klonopin. These drugs are commonly abused recreationally and can be addictive, like opioids (narcotic painkillers) or cannabis.

Benzos, or benzodiazepines, are depressants that come in pills and capsules. They can be a serious problem for long-time users because they can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly.

Depressants

Drugs come in a wide variety of different forms, some legal and others illegal. The slang terms used to describe these substances can vary from person to person, but they are usually derived from the appearance of the substance, its effects on the body and the people that commonly use it.

Benzodiazepines, sedatives, and antidepressants are a group of medicines used to calm the central nervous system and trigger drowsiness and relaxation. They are prescribed to treat several disorders, including anxiety and insomnia. These drugs are marketed in pill form, syrups and injectable liquids. Teens often obtain them from friends, family members, doctors and hospitals.