Prescription narcotics are constantly being rerouted into abusive and recreational drug markets, making it difficult to put a stop to this problem. Still, drug abusers and dealers continue to use street names for the drugs, often instead of using the generic or brand names, in order to protect themselves from detection. The use of these street names could be dangerous to you if you are unclear on what they mean.

It is important to know the common prescription narcotic street names in the event that you encounter someone selling them or an even more dangerous situation. For example, in the situation of overdose, knowing that drug a person has taken can be easier if you have a basic understanding of these names. For many reasons, knowing commons street name for prescription narcotics is beneficial and can even be necessary in certain situations.

Treatment can help you or a loved one quit using narcotics. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) for help finding treatment today.

What are the Common Prescription Narcotics?

“Also known as ‘opioids,’ the term ‘narcotic’ comes from the Greek word for ‘stupor’ and originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain.” Now this term only refers to drugs that are opiate-based, either synthetic or natural, prescription-based or illicit.

The prescription narcotics which are commonly abused are taken because they cause euphoria in high doses and, in many cases, are easier to get ahold of than illicit drugs. They still cause an intense reaction and are also incredibly dangerous, as severe respiratory depression can still result from a large dose.

Street Names for Common Prescription Narcotics

The drugs listed below are currently some of the most abused prescription narcotics and are included on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule 2 narcotics list. Some are more powerful than others, but they all have the potential to cause euphoria, addiction, and death (if taken in high enough doses).

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate pain, oxycodone was extremely popular among recreational users for a time.

According to CESAR, street names include:

• Oxy
• O
• O.C.s
• Oxycet
• Oxycotton
• Oxy 80s
• Hillbilly heroin
• Killers

For Percocet and Percodan

• Percodoms
• Percs

Use of the drug

• Jammed- a term that means being under the influence of OxyContin, the brand name of the drug

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic prescription opioid that is sometimes used to treat pain but most notably used to treat opioid addiction, often in those who need long-term care. It can still cause addiction itself when abused.

According to CESAR, street names include:

• Dollies
• Dolls
• Mud
• Phyamps
• Red rock
• Tootsie roll
• Amidone
• Fizzies
• Balloons
• Breaze
• Burdock
• Buzz bomb
• Cartridges
• Jungle juice
• Junk

Paraphernalia

• Cracker- a slang term for a “device used for opening methadone cartridges”

Codeine

Codeine is found in various drugs that treat moderate pain as well as cough. Many individuals abuse codeine cough syrup which is just as dangerous as abusing any narcotic (often more so when the individual mixes the cough syrup with alcohol).

Street names include:

• Cody
• Captain Cody
• Schoolboy

For codeine cough syrup

• Lean
• Purple drank
• Sizzurp

With glutethimide

• Doors and fours
• Loads
• Pancakes and syrup

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is one of the more intense prescription narcotics and should not be prescribed to those who aren’t already tolerant of the effects of opioids.

According to the NIDA, street names include:

• Apache
• China white
• China girl
• Dance fever
• Jackpot
• Murder 8
• Tango and cash
• TNT
• Friend
• Goodfella

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid and also one of the most frequently abused prescription drugs (DEA).

Street names include:

• Hydro
• Watson-387

For Lortab

• Tabs

For Vicodin

• Vikes

Norco

• Both a street name and a brand name for acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Hydromorphone

Also known by its brand name Dilaudid, the elliptical shape of the pill lends to one of its most common street names.

Street names include:

• Footballs
• Juice
• D
• Dillies
• Smack

Meperidine

Also called by its brand name Demerol, meperidine comes as both a tablet and a liquid and is listed as a Schedule II drug.

Street names include:

• Demmies (a reference to Demerol)
• Pain killer

Morphine

Morphine is one of the oldest opiate drugs and is naturally occurring in the poppy plant like codeine and opium. It is often used in hospitals as it is an extremely potent pain medication.

Street names include:

• M
• Miss Emma
• Monkey
• White stuff

Oxymorphone 

The brand name for oxymorphone is Opana, and it is a Schedule II narcotic. The drug is also semi-synthetic and treats moderate to severe pain.

Street names include:

• Blue heaven
• Biscuits
• Blues
• Mrs. O
• O bomb
• Octagons
• Stop signs

These are the most commonly abused prescription narcotic drugs which is why many of them have several different street names. Some are more likely to be used in a certain region, to refer to a specific way that drug is being abused, or even the dosage of the drug itself. In certain situations, many things can be gleaned from knowing the common street names of prescription narcotics.

Certain street names like smack, junk, or dope are used to refer to any type of narcotic. For example, someone using these terms could even be discussing illicit drugs like heroin, so it is important to understand which street names might be more interchangeable depending on who’s discussing them.

Are There Any Other Important Street Name Specifics for Prescription Narcotics?

• Remember that just because someone uses the street name for a particular prescription drug does not mean that they are abusing it. However, this can be a sign of drug abuse so you may want to look for the other signs in order to be certain of the possibility of abuse.
• Sometimes a person might refer to a drug by its brand name instead of a street name. This does not mean that they are using the drug legally or correctly. For example, sometimes dealers will refer to morphine as Roxanol or Duramorph instead of M, monkey, or white stuff.
• It is illegal to buy or sell these drugs, no matter what name they are called, or to use them in any way that is not specifically prescribed by a doctor.
• The use of street names can tip you off to the possibility that someone might need help or treatment for drug abuse, especially if they are clearly feeling sick or not able to breathe properly. Knowing which street name refers to which drug can help you get them the necessary help in a faster way.  Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) for help today.