Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used to relieve pain. However, they are also known to be highly addictive and can lead to dependence and overdose.
People can be prescribed opioids and painkillers to manage pain, but they’re also frequently used in illegal ways or mixed with other drugs. They can also be “cut” or mixed with other substances to complicate or prolong a high. Because of this variance (and their popularity at large), opioids have acquired numerous street names. The wide prevalence of fentanyl has ramped up the opioid addiction crisis in America due to its wide prevalence and its common use as an additional ingredient to other addictive substances.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are a complex group of substances that have been used for centuries due to their powerful pain-relieving properties. The opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, is the primary natural source of opioids, containing compounds such as morphine and codeine. In modern times, pharmaceutical companies have developed synthetic opioids to mimic the effects of natural opioids. These synthetic opioids are often prescribed by healthcare providers to manage severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or due to chronic conditions.
However, the widespread use and availability of both prescription and illegal opioids have contributed to a global public health crisis, with rising rates of addiction, overdose, and fatalities associated with opioid misuse. It is crucial for individuals to be informed about the risks and benefits of opioid medications and to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with opioid dependence.
The Difference Between Opioids and Opiates
Opiates are a subset of opioids and refer primarily to drugs derived naturally from the opium poppy plant, such as morphine and codeine. On the other hand, opioids encompass both natural and synthetic drugs that bind to the brain’s opioid receptors.
It is important to note that while opiates are derived directly from the opium poppy plant, opioids can be synthesized in a laboratory setting. This distinction is crucial in understanding the diverse range of opioid medications available on the market today. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and methadone, are examples of man-made drugs that mimic the effects of natural opiates.
General Street Names for Opioids
Opioids, both prescription medications and illegal substances, are known by various street names that are used in different social circles. The use of street names allows those involved in illegal activities to communicate discreetly. This is especially true in the age of social media, where drug dealers frequently sell drugs over posts and private messages. Street names allow the dealing to go on without being caught by moderators, who may solely look for commercial names when scouring these networks for mentions of drug use.
Some of the general street names associated with opioids include:
- H
- Train
- Blues
- Oxy (specifically referring to Oxycontin, but may describe other drugs mixed with Oxycontin or that provide complimentary effects)
- China white
- Schoolboy
- Apache
Recognizing these street names can help in identifying and addressing opioid use disorder. These street names may differ based on geographical location, and new names continually emerge as individuals try to avoid detection by authorities.
It’s important to note that the use of street names for opioids is not limited to illegal substances. Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, also have their own set of street names that are used by individuals who misuse these medications. Street names for prescription opioids include “Percs” for Percocet and “Xanny” for Xanax. But it’s important to note that these names may not convey that the opioids are cut with an additional harmful substance.
The evolution of technology and social media has facilitated the spread of new street names for opioids. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are used by individuals to share and sell opioids, sometimes under different names for different products on a regular basis. This makes it challenging for law enforcement to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of drug terminology.
Brand Names for Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids are often sold under brand names that allude to the full scientific name of the drug compound, which in turn may sound less intimidating than their generic names. Many of these opioids are prescribed in a doctor’s office for people who deal with severe pain, including cancer patients. These patients are not trying to use these substances as psychoactive drugs. These opioids are frequently prescribed because the patient has become resistant to other pain treatments or requires greater pain relief than anything available with lower barriers to access. Their doctor typically provides very strict guidelines for the use of the opioid, to avoid risk of addiction as much as possible.
Some common brand names for opioids (or treatments that include opioids such as fentanyl) are:
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Dilaudid
- Demerol
- Actiq
- Duragesic
- Sublimaze
- Onsolis
- Fentora
- Lazanda
These brand names can be misleading, as they may not hint at the potential dangers and risks associated with using these drugs.
It is important to note that while these brand names may sound familiar and even comforting, opioids are powerful drugs that can lead to addiction and overdose if not taken as prescribed. OxyContin, for example, is a long-acting opioid that is commonly prescribed for chronic pain and has a high potential for abuse. Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen and is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. But misuse can lead to liver damage due to the acetaminophen content, which is why users of pain medications like Tylenol are often advised to take the minimal amount of medication necessary at any given time.
Street Names for Specific Opioids
Each individual opioid may have its unique set of street names. Knowing these names can help identify potential drug misuse and help someone to seek help when necessary. Here are some street names associated with specific opioids:
- China girl
- Dance fever
- Murder 8
- Goodfella
- He-Man
- Jackpot
- Dragon’s Breath
- TNT
- Fenty
- Lollipop
- Tango and Cash (or each separate name)
- China white (sometimes used to allude to another drug that has been cut with fentanyl)
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than other opioids, has gained notoriety for its role in the opioid crisis. Street names such as “Dance fever” and “TNT” are used to describe fentanyl’s deadly potency and the dangers associated with its misuse. Recognizing these street names can help in identifying fentanyl-related risks and preventing overdoses.
Because fentanyl is frequently mixed with other substances, there are also nicknames for mixtures featuring fentanyl and specific other drugs. For example, fentanyl mixed with heroin can be referred to as Chiva Loca or “birria” (not to be confused with the popular Mexican dish). When mixed with cocaine, the referring substance can be referred to as dirty fentanyl or takeover.
- H (also variations that may obscure this name, such as Henry)
- Horse
- Junk (a street name that alludes to heroin users being called “junkies”)
- Smack
- Brown sugar
- Train
- Horse
- Skag
- Black tar (also the street name of a particular type of heroin)
Heroin, a highly addictive opioid derived from morphine, is known by various street names that have been in use for decades. Terms like “smack” date back to drug use in the 1980s and possibly before. Understanding these street names is crucial in detecting heroin abuse and providing necessary support to individuals struggling with addiction.
- Schoolboy
- Three Ts (referring to the model of Tylenol that includes codeine, Tylenol #3)
- Tussin (referring to the over-the-counter cough remedy Robitussin)
- Orange Crush
- Poor man’s ecstasy
Codeine is unique in that it is frequently combined with other substances to produce intoxicating drinks, such as purple drank, lean, and sizzurp. These drinks frequently use ordinary products that contain codeine for medicinal purposes, including cough syrup. Depending on location, the availability of such over-the-counter substances may be restricted.
- Miss Emma
- Blue
- Dreamer
- White stuff
- Monkey (possibly in reference to the addiction treatment phrase “monkey on your back”)
These are just a few examples, but the list of street names for opioids continues to evolve. Morphine is not always the most popular street opioid due to its limited strength compared to other opioids. But it may be mixed with other substances or sold in addition to other substances if it is more easily accessible.
- Oxy
- OC
- Hillbilly heroin
- Blue
Oxycodone, a potent opioid pain medication, is often abused for its euphoric effects. The street names associated with oxycodone reflect its popularity and misuse in various communities. “Hillbilly heroin” and “Blue” are more colloquial terms that highlight the drug’s impact on different demographics.
- Vikes
- Norcos
- Hydros
Hydrocodone, another opioid medication, is known by several street names that are used to conceal its true identity. “Vikes” can commonly refer to Vicodin, a prescription medication that is currently classified as a restricted Class I substance.
Recover from Opioid Use Disorder at Principles Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery. Principles Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored to individuals’ needs. Our evidence-based approach combines different therapy modalities to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.
At Principles Recovery, we understand that overcoming opioid addiction is a complex and challenging journey. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Call us today to learn more.
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