Drug Slang Dictionary: Updated 2023

People dealing with substance abuse do not often refer to their drug of choice by its common name. This slang for drugs may be a way of hiding their use from friends and family. It can also be a way to hide drug use from law enforcement. Below is a compilation of drug slang that may help when determining if someone you know is talking in code.

Drug Slang for Cannabinoids

These are going to be any drug that is made from compounds of the cannabis plant. The main compound, THC, can cause euphoria, enhanced sensory perception, and impaired memory.

Marijuana: As the most common cannabinoid, marijuana is typically smoked or ingested. Some slang terms for marijuana are:

Synthetic Marijuana: Manmade chemicals are mixed with marijuana leaves or other dried leaves to create a mind-altering drug. Synthetic marijuana is often called:

Drug Slang For Depressants

A depressant is going to be any drug that lowers the level of neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. These drugs can cause reduced arousal, drowsiness, and a depressed mood.

Barbiturates: These drugs are often prescribed to treat headaches, insomnia, or seizures but are highly addictive and can lead to an overdose. Common names include:

Benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety drugs are often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, or seizures. They are, however, addictive and can produce deadly withdrawal symptoms. They are often called:

Flunitrazepam: This benzo is used to treat insomnia and often assists with anesthesia. It is more commonly known as Rohypnol.

GHB: Known as a party drug, GHB is a sedative that can also be used to treat narcolepsy.

Xanax: Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. It is widely abused in younger adults and college students and can be called:

Drug Slang for Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are a psychoactive drug that alters a person’s perception. They can cause hallucinations and changes to thoughts and consciousness.

Ayahuasca: This hallucinogen is brewed as a tea. It is often used as a ceremonial spiritual medicine in South America.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) or Cough Syrup: Over-the-counter cough syrups, like Robitussin, can treat cold symptoms. If used improperly, they can cause addiction or overdose.

DMT: DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug, also known as Dimitri.

Ketamine: Ketamine is used in anesthesia. It can cause dissociation and a trance-like state of mind for pain relief and amnesia. It is also known as:

LSD: A psychedelic drug that causes intensified thoughts and emotions. It can also induce visual and auditory hallucinations.

Mescaline or Peyote: Peyote is a cactus found in Mexico and the Southern US that possesses psychoactive properties.

Mushrooms: These are naturally occurring psychoactive mushrooms that can cause hallucinations. They are also known as:

PCP: As a hallucinogen, PCP is usually smoked, snorted, or injected. Occasionally it is taken by mouth. It can cause distorted perceptions and violent behavior.

Salvia: Salvia is a plant that possesses psychoactive properties. People either chew it, smoke it, or drink it as tea.

Drug Slang for Opioids

Opioids are a combination of legal prescriptions for pain relief and illegal drugs such as heroin. These drugs cause euphoria and pain relief, making them easy to abuse.

Codeine: Codeine is a medication prescribed to treat pain and coughs. It is highly addictive and can cause death, especially if combined with alcohol. It is also referred to as:

Fentanyl: It’s a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. It can be used to treat severe pain after surgery. It is also one of the most common drugs involved in overdose and death in the US.

Heroin: An illegal drug processed from morphine. It can be injected, sniffed, snorted, or smoked. Heroin is also called:

Hydrocodone: Prescribed to treat severe pain. It can also be used as a cough suppressant.

Hydromorphone: Prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain.

Kratom: Kratom is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia and has opioid properties and stimulant effects.

Meperidine: A synthetic painkiller also used for women during labor. It is also known as Demmies.

Morphine: Morphine is an opioid medication used to treat pain. When used outside of the specific prescription, it can be addictive.

Oxycodone: A prescription drug used to treat pain. Its street names are:

Oxymorphone: It’s used as both a pain reliever and to help anesthesia during surgery.

Drug Slang For Stimulants

Stimulant drugs increase activity within the central nervous system. They can cause a spike in energy and alertness and increase the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Amphetamines: These are typically prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity.

Cocaine: An addictive stimulant drug that is usually snorted. It can cause an increase in energy and alertness. Slang for coke includes:

Crack Cocaine: Crack cocaine is the smokeable version of cocaine. It gives users a short and intense high. Crack cocaine slang names look like:

Ecstasy or MDMA: This is a stimulant that causes hallucinations similar to psychoactive drugs. Its effects are altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, and pleasure.

Khat: A plant native to Ethiopia that is chewed for stimulant effects. It is also called:

Methamphetamines: This is a very powerful and addictive drug that affects the central nervous system and causes dependence rather quickly.

Methylphenidate: Can be used to treat ADD, ADHD, or narcolepsy. The more common prescription drug for this is Ritalin.

Bath Salts: Bath Salts are recreational designer drugs that combine man-made chemicals related to cathinone. Bath salts can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Other Drugs

Inhalants: Inhalants are typically household chemicals that are inhaled.

Nitrous Oxide: This is a gas used for sedation and pain relief.

Steroids: Steroids are synthetic drugs that resemble hormones. People abuse them to grow muscle and enhance athletic performance.