Understanding Teen Drug Slang
Understanding teen drug slang can feel overwhelming—many parents describe it as their teens speaking a “foreign language.”
This guide, informed by Muir Wood Teen’s Chief Clinical Officer, helps parents:
- Know and understand common teen drug slang.
- Recognize behaviors that may indicate risky substance use.
- Take actionable steps if you suspect your teen is struggling.
By recognizing these terms and patterns early, you can respond thoughtfully, protect your teen’s well-being, and seek professional guidance before experimentation escalates.
Why Do Teens Use Drug Slang?
Many people often use slang to sound “cool” or fit in with their peers.
Using nicknames or coded language can help teens hide risky behavior, but it also gives parents clues about possible substance use. Recognizing slang early can help you spot patterns like skipping school, lying, or isolating from friends.
How Can Drug Slang Signal Risky Behavior?
Hearing unusual terms may indicate experimentation or frequent use. For example, if your teen frequently mentions “burning one” or “robotripping,” it could indicate marijuana or cough syrup abuse.
Understanding the lingo gives you a window into their activities before behaviors escalate.
Why Is It Important for Parents to Understand Teen Drug Slang?
Knowing drug slang terms helps you intervene early and compassionately.
When you recognize what your teen is talking about, you can ask questions calmly and seek professional guidance if needed. This knowledge helps prevent small curiosity from turning into long-term substance use.
While you don’t need to understand every cryptic term your teenager uses, being aware of common drug slang can help you recognize warning signs of substance abuse, such as skipping school, withdrawing from friends, staying out late, or lying.
Understanding the street names and slang for drugs can provide meaningful context if you suspect your teen may be experimenting or struggling with substance use. This knowledge helps you communicate more effectively, identify early signs, and seek help if necessary. Drug slang is often a sign your teen is trying to communicate something deeper—stress, anxiety, peer pressure, or emotional pain.
If your teen’s drug or alcohol use is causing them to spiral into crisis, our residential treatment and outpatient programs are designed to address the underlying issues driving risky behavior, not just the surface behavior itself. Teens receive compassionate, evidence-based care that supports long-term healing.
Slang Names for Street Drugs
What Are Some Common Slang Terms for Marijuana?
Marijuana is commonly called pot, weed, bud, or blunt.
Other slang terms your teen might use for marijuana include:
- Reefer
- Mary Jane
- Skunk
- Moon rocks
- Ozone (sometimes cannabis + other drugs)
- Honey oil
- Hashish
- Primos (marijuana cigarettes treated with crack)
Studies show that 36% of 12th graders have used cannabis in the past year, and daily use is around 6%. While overall use among teens may be declining, the potency of the THC products available has increased dramatically, increasing the risk of adverse effects, including psychosis. Teens may also say “toke up,” “burn a stick,” or “smoke one” when using it.
What Is Synthetic Cannabis and Its Slang?
Synthetic marijuana is known as K2, spice, or incense.
This drug mimics cannabis effects but can be more unpredictable and dangerous. Teens may purchase it legally from convenience stores before realizing the potential risks.
What Is Mephedrone (“Bath Salts”) and Its Slang?
Mephedrone is often labeled as bath salts or plant food.
Other common names for bath salts include. It is sold in powdered form, with disclaimers such as “Not for Human Consumption,” to avoid legal restrictions. Effects include hallucinations and stimulant-like behaviors, which can be especially risky for teens.
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“When you call Muir Wood, you will either reach me or one of my staff. Please know that we are 110% committed to helping you find the best treatment for your teen and will hold your hand through the entire process. And if we aren’t an ideal fit for your child, we’ll help you find a program that is.” — Maura “Mo” Sangster, Director of Admissions
Maura “Mo” Sangster
Director of Admissions
What Are the Slang Terms for Methamphetamine?
Meth, also called crystal meth, ice, or tweak, is a highly addictive stimulant.
Other slang includes speed, chalk, glass, and crank. Teens may refer to using it as “going fast,” “spinning,” or “getting fried.” Meth is a white powder that can be smoked, snorted, or injected, and early intervention is crucial to prevent dependency. Methamphetamine—often called crystal meth, crank, or chalk—is a powerful stimulant in the amphetamine family.
Other terms often associated with such stimulants are:
- Meth
- Speed
- Dexies
- Amps
- Pep pills
- A-trains
- Kibbles and bits
What Is K Drug Slang?
Ketamine, also called Special K, Kit-Kat, or vitamin K, is used recreationally for its hallucinogenic effects.
Other nicknames include cat valium, super acid, or psychedelic heroin. Teen use can produce dissociation, impaired judgment, and hallucinations, requiring careful monitoring.
What Are the Slang Terms for Heroin?
Heroin is often called smack, thunder, big H, ska, skag, junk, or antifreeze.
It is a highly addictive opioid, and suburban teens are reporting easier access than in previous decades. Injection and snorting carry extreme overdose risks. Some teens refer to combinations of heroin and cocaine as a speedball or rocket fuel, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially lethal.
Some other slang terms for heroin include:
- Brown sugar
- Black tar
- China White
- Apache
- Goodfella
- Murder 8
What Are the Slang Terms for Dextromethorphan (DXM)?
DXM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant abused for psychoactive effects.
Slang includes dex, DM, drex, vitamin D, robo, rojo, and tussin. Dex, sizzurp, purple drank, lean, footballs, Triple C, and users are sometimes called syrup heads. Effects can include hallucinations, impaired motor skills, and dangerous cardiac outcomes.
What Is “Blow” in Drug Slang?
Blow is a slang term used for cocaine. Other slang terms include coke, snow, flake, powder, or nose candy.
Teens may request “blow” because it is blown (sniffed) up the nostrils. A “bump” refers to receiving a dose of cocaine. And a “line” is cocaine being assembled on a surface so it can be sniffed up the nose (with a straw, for example) in a linear fashion.
It might be hard to believe that this illicit street drug was once an ingredient in the popular soda beverage Coca-Cola when it was first sold to consumers in the late 1800s. Derived from coca leaves, the drug has fluctuated in popularity among teens over the years, with its apex in the 1980s. Other slang terms for cocaine include blanca and yayo.
What Are the Slang Terms for Heroin?
Heroin is often called “smack,” “junk,” “thunder,” or “big H,” and it’s increasingly showing up in suburban communities where teens believe it’s easier to find.
Even small amounts of heroin can be deadly, especially when laced with fentanyl, which has become common in today’s drug supply.
What Drug Street Names Does MDMA Take on?
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is often referred to as X, XTC, beans, Molly, E, Adam, Nox (when combined with nitrous oxide), or Molly.
Molly refers to the crystallized form of MDMA. MDMA can increase feelings of intimacy, empathy, and euphoria, but it can also lead to dangerous overheating or heart issues at parties or concerts. Teens may hear it called the “love drug” or “hug drug” at parties and raves, but what’s sold as molly is often mixed with harmful substances that can cause serious physical and mental side effects.
Other slang names for MDMA include and vanilla sky, referring to its colorful, euphoric effects.
What Slang Terms are Often Associated With Kratom?
Kratom is often referred to as thang, kakuam, thom, and gratom.
Kratom poses a significant risk for dependence and addiction, leading to increased doses to achieve the desired effects.
Teens may view kratom as a safe alternative to opioids ot other illicit substances. However, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and similar to opioid withdrawal, including nausea, muscle pain, irritability, and insomnia. The lack of regulation in kratom production often results in inconsistent product quality and purity, increasing the risk of overdose and exposure to harmful contaminants.
What are The Slang Terms for Tianeptine?
Common slang terms used for tianeptine include ZaZa, gas station heroin or gas station dope, tianna red, white, and/or green, pegasus, and Neptune’s fix.
Tianeptine is an atypical antidepressant that has gained popularity among teens for its mood-enhancing effects but poses significant dangers, including the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Its use can lead to serious health risks, such as liver damage and respiratory issues, especially given the lack of regulation around its purity and dosage.
What Are Common Slang Terms for Drug Combinations?
Sometimes drug users do not use just one substance, but combine various drugs, and these can be referred to as:
- Atom Bombs: Marijuana mixed with heroin.
- Bars: Heroin mixed with Xanax.
- Bazooka: Crack cocaine combined with unrefined cocaine and/or marijuana.
- Bumping Up: Ecstasy combined with powder cocaine.
- Caviar: Taking cocaine and marijuana very closely together.
- Dynamite: Cocaine mixed with heroin.
- Eightball: Crack cocaine combined with heroin.
- Gimme: A mixture of crack and marijuana.
- Greek: Marijuana and powder cocaine.
- Handlebars: Crack cocaine combined with Xanax.
- Hugs and Kisses: A Combination of methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Jet Fuel: PCP combined with methamphetamine.
- Lace: Cocaine and marijuana.
- Moon Rock: Crack cocaine and heroin.
- Nox: Nitrous oxide and MDMA
- Ozone: A marijuana, PCP, and crack cocaine cigarette.
- Pharming: A mix of prescription drugs.
- Primos: Marijuana cigarettes treated with crack cocaine.
- Screwball: Heroin and methamphetamine.
- Smoking Gun: Heroin and cocaine.
- Tar: Crack and heroin.
- Waffle Dust: Ecstasy and methamphetamine.
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Common Slang Terms for Prescription Drugs
What Are the Slang Terms for Adderall?
Adderall, also called addys, pep pills, a-trains, or amps, is abused for focus and energy.
Slang like smart pills, study buddies, or smart skittles is common among students because it is often used for cramming sessions (concentrated bouts of studying for exams). Adderall and similar drugs intended for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being misused annually by approximately 4% of older teens and emerging adults to stay awake or enhance studying. It is attractive to teens because it is often easily available from peers who have it as a prescription to manage ADHD.
What Are the Slang Terms for Xanax?
Xanax is often called “Xanibars,” “bars,” or “zanies,” and it’s one of the most commonly misused prescription medications among teens.
Because it’s a fast-acting anti-anxiety drug, teens may use it to “chill out” or “zone out,” unaware of how addictive and dangerous it can become. Xanax is a type of benzodiazepine, often called benzos, which also includes Valium. Teens may use them to ‘come down’ from stimulants or relieve anxiety.
What Are the Street Names for Vicodin?
Vicodin is sometimes referred to as “Vics” or “Vikes” and is misused for its pain-relieving and euphoric effects.
Teens who misuse Vicodin may think of it as “harmless” since it’s prescribed for pain, but it can quickly lead to dependence or opioid addiction.
What Slang Do Teens Use for OxyContin?
Common slang for OxyContin includes “O.C.,” “Oxy,” and “killers,” terms that hint at both its potency and risks.
Teens may underestimate this opioid’s danger, but OxyContin misuse has been a major contributor to the national opioid crisis. Oxycodone and hydrocodone, sometimes nicknamed ‘hillbilly heroin’ and ‘hydros,’ are highly addictive prescription opioids often misused for their euphoric effects.
What Are the Street Names for Ritalin?
Ritalin is sometimes called “kibbles and bits,” “r-ball,” “vitamin R,” “kiddie cocaine,” or “study buddies,” reflecting how some teens misuse it to boost focus or stay awake. These stimulant drugs can cause serious health risks when taken without a prescription, including anxiety, heart problems, and addiction.
What Are the Slang Terms for Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful prescription opioid that’s often called “Apache,” “China White,” “Dance Fever,” “Friend,” “Goodfella,” “Jackpot” or simply “Fent.”
Initially developed for severe pain management, fentanyl has become a significant factor in overdose deaths because it’s frequently mixed—without warning—into other street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit pills.
Even a dose the size of a few grains of salt can be deadly. Many teens may not realize that a pill sold as “Oxy” or “Perc” online could actually be pressed with fentanyl, making any misuse incredibly dangerous.
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Slang for Drug Use
What Does “Crunking” Mean?
Crunking means getting drunk and high at the same time.
It is popular in party settings and can be dangerous due to its combined depressant and stimulant effects.
What Do “Dexing,” “Robotripping,” and “Robodosing” Mean?
These terms refer to abusing cough syrup containing dextromethorphan.
Teens may describe “robotripping” casually, but it carries serious risks for hallucinations, seizures, and accidents.
What Does “Going Fast,” “Tweaking,” or “Spinning” Mean?
These terms describe methamphetamine use. They reflect stimulant-induced hyperactivity, insomnia, or agitation.
What Does “Shooting Up” or “Going on the Nod” Mean?
These are associated with heroin use.
These phrases indicate injection, chasing euphoria, or nodding off, signaling high-risk opioid behaviors.
What Does “Toke Up” or “Burn One” Mean?
These refer to smoking marijuana.
Recognizing these phrases helps you distinguish between casual and habitual use in social settings.
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Recognizing Risky Substance Use Patterns in Teens
What Behaviors May Signal Stimulant or Depressant Use?
Teens using stimulants like methamphetamine, Adderall, or crystal meth may show hyperactivity, insomnia, or irritability, while depressants like Xanax, alcohol, or purple drank can cause drowsiness or slowed responses.
Observing changes in mood, sleep, or energy helps identify risky drug use early.
How Can Hallucinogens and Party Drugs Affect Daily Life?
Drugs like LSD, magic mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, or angel dust can distort perception, increase risk-taking, and interfere with school or social responsibilities.
Teens experimenting with hallucinogens may seem withdrawn, confused, or unusually euphoric.
Why Does Early Intervention Matter for Prescription Opioids and Fentanyl?
Misusing opioids such as OxyContin, Codeine, Vicodin, hydrocodone, or fentanyl—even unknowingly—can quickly lead to dependence or overdose.
Spotting early signs like unexplained drowsiness, secretive behavior, or lost prescriptions allows parents to act before patterns escalate.
Talking to Your Teens About Drugs
How Should I Start the Conversation with My Teen?
Talk calmly and nonjudgmentally about what you’ve noticed.
Start with curiosity, not accusation. Initiate calm, nonjudgmental conversations:
- Reference specific observations: “I heard you mention ‘dexing’ last night. Can we talk about what that means?”
- Avoid shaming or labeling. Focus on understanding what your teen is experiencing.
- Listen actively and validate emotions, even if you disagree with the behavior.
The goal is to open dialogue, identify root causes, and ensure your teen feels supported rather than punished.
Using specific examples like “I heard you mention ‘dexing’ last night” can open dialogue without confrontation. If you’re hearing some of these terms from your teen, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re using drugs, but it may signal stress, peer pressure, or emotional pain that deserves attention.
Muir Wood Teen specializes in treating the mental health challenges that often drive substance use in adolescents. With small campuses, gender-separate environments by birth assignment, and a warm, clinically sophisticated team, we help teens stabilize, rebuild coping skills, and interrupt harmful patterns before they escalate.
What Should I Do if My Teen Is Using These Terms?
Openly discuss the usage of these terms with your teen and reach out for help if they are using drugs.
If your teen is struggling with substance use, it is time to reach out for help. Our team at Muir Wood Teen will help you understand what’s happening, guide you through a confidential assessment, review treatment options, and partner with your family every step of the way. If you notice any signs of substance use, don’t wait—seeking help promptly is crucial in supporting your teen’s journey to recovery. Our focus is to provide trauma-informed, mental-health-first care for adolescents ages 12–17, including support for co-occurring substance use. (Contact Us).
What to Do If You Suspect Your Teen Has a Problem
What Should I Do If I Believe My Teen Is Already Using Drugs?
If you fear your teen is using drugs, there are a number of steps you can take.
Substance use in teens often begins subtly. According to our Chief Clinical Officer, what parents notice may only be “the tip of the iceberg.” Even minor signs can indicate underlying struggles, whether related to substance use, anxiety, depression, or peer pressures.
Watch for patterns over time, not just isolated incidents:
- Persistent mood swings or irritability
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Declining school performance
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Secretive behavior or sudden interest in new peer groups
Substance use is a slippery slope. Teens may start experimenting to cope with discomfort or emotional pain, and even occasional use can escalate into habitual behaviors if underlying issues aren’t addressed.
When Is It Time to Consider Drug Treatment?
Treatment decisions depend on severity and frequency.
Not every experiment requires intensive intervention, but repeated or risky behavior warrants professional guidance.
Signs that it may be time to reach out include:
- Experimentation evolving into habitual use
- Safety concerns (e.g., driving under the influence, combining substances, overdosing)
- Noticeable emotional or behavioral changes affecting daily life
- Co-occurring mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
Early guidance is key: even initial conversations with trained therapists, psychiatrists, or our admissions team can help clarify what’s happening and determine next steps.
Why Parents Choose Muir Wood
Understanding Levels of Care for Teen Mental Health and Substance Use
When a teen is struggling, finding the right level of support can feel overwhelming. Here’s a brief overview of the treatment continuum—and where Muir Wood fits in:
- Inpatient/Hospital Care Short-term, acute stabilization for teens in immediate crisis or danger to themselves or others. Inpatient settings focus on safety and medical stabilization rather than therapeutic treatment. Once a teen is stable, they typically transition to a lower level of care where deeper healing can begin.
- Residential Treatment 24/7 immersive care in a supportive, home-like environment. Residential treatment provides the structure and clinical intensity needed when outpatient care isn’t enough—offering daily therapy, skills development, and round-the-clock support while removing teens from triggers and stressors at home or out in the world. Muir Wood provides residential treatment at our California campuses.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) Structured daytime programming (typically 5–6 hours daily) while teens return home in the evenings. PHP bridges the gap between residential and outpatient care.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) Teens attend therapy sessions several times per week after school while continuing daily life at home. IOP works well for teens stepping down from higher levels of care or those who need more support than weekly therapy provides. Muir Wood offers IOP care in Petaluma and Clovis.
- Outpatient Therapy Weekly individual or family therapy sessions for ongoing support and maintenance.
Every teen’s path is different. Some move directly into residential care; others benefit from a gradual step-up or step-down approach. The right level of care depends on your teen’s specific needs, safety concerns, and clinical recommendations
How Can Parents Be Involved?
Parents are an integral part of the recovery process:
- Participate in family therapy: Strengthens communication and builds healthy relationships.
- Reinforce healthy habits at home: Encourage routines, positive peer relationships, and coping strategies.
- Maintain ongoing dialogue with care teams: Collaborate with therapists and clinicians to ensure consistent support.
Involving parents early helps teens feel supported and increases the likelihood of successful, long-term recovery.
Teen Drug Slang FAQs
Nitrous oxide—also called “laughing gas” or “whippets”—is a gas inhaled for brief euphoria or dizziness.
It’s often found in small canisters used for whipped cream or balloons. Repeated use can cause oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, and even death.
If you’re hearing unfamiliar slang or noticing changes in your teen’s behavior, trust your instincts. Something deeper may be going on. At Muir Wood Teen, we provide evidence-based, compassionate care for adolescents struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, or co-occurring disorders. Contact us today at (866) 705-0828 to learn how we can help your teen take the first step toward lasting recovery.
