Slang & Street Names
“Black tar” refers to this impure, sticky form of an opioid.
What is heroin?
This long-acting benzodiazepine is often abused due to its extended half-life and sedation.
What is diazepam (Valium)?
This natural stimulant comes from the coca plant.
What is cocaine?
This depressant is responsible for the majority of overdose deaths in the U.S. today.
What is fentanyl?
This drug is legal with a prescription, but illegal when obtained or used non-medically — commonly misused as “Perks.”
What is Percocet?
This hallucinogen is nicknamed “Lucy,” often distributed on blotter paper.
What is LSD?
This muscle relaxant, often misused recreationally, goes by the street name “Soma-coma” when mixed with opioids.
What is carisoprodol?
This synthetic stimulant, often sold online as a “research chemical,” mimics the effects of meth.
What is mephedrone (or a synthetic cathinone)?
This term means the harmful effect that happens when opioids are mixed with benzodiazepines. (effect in the body)
What is respiratory depression?
This class of drugs was originally developed as legal synthetic alternatives to cannabis, but many have since been banned.
What are synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., K2, Spice)?
“Candy flipping” is a dangerous mix of these two drugs.
What is MDMA and LSD?
This ADHD medication, when crushed and snorted, delivers a rapid dose of methylphenidate.
What is Ritalin?
Chronic meth use can lead to this severe form of psychosis.
What is stimulant-induced psychosis (or meth psychosis)?
This barbiturate, is often referred to as barbs or phennies
Despite federal restrictions, this hallucinogenic drug is being studied legally for PTSD therapy.
What is MDMA (Ecstasy)?
“Lean,” “Sizzurp,” and “Dirty Sprite” all refer to a cocktail that combines codeine with this sedative.
What is promethazine?
This “Z-drug,” prescribed for insomnia, is not a benzo but has similar abuse potential.
What is zolpidem (Ambien)?
This neurotransmitter system is primarily affected by amphetamines.
What is the dopamine system?
This dangerous outcome can occur if someone resumes opioid use after a period of abstinence.
What is overdose due to reduced tolerance?
This Schedule I hallucinogen was used in religious rituals and is now undergoing trials for depression treatment.
What is psilocybin?
This synthetic hallucinogen, known as “25i-NBOMe,” is sometimes misrepresented as LSD.
What is N-Bomb?
This class of antidepressants can cause dangerous interactions when combined with stimulants.
What are MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)?
This neurological condition can result from long-term stimulant abuse and mimics Parkinson’s disease.
What is dopamine depletion (or stimulant-induced neurotoxicity)?
This slang term describes the practice of inhaling the vapors from heated heroin."
What is riding the dragon?
This formerly legal opioid was responsible for a large part of the opioid epidemic and was reformulated to be abuse-resistant.
What is OxyContin?