Hydrocodone, according to the NLM, is used often in combination with other drugs to “relieve moderate-to-severe pain.” Because hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic and causes the same side effects that other opioids do, including euphoria when taken in high doses, it is often abused recreationally by those looking for these effects. As a part of hydrocodone abuse, street names for the drug are common.

Hydrocodone Street Names

According to the DOJ, “Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid in the United States and is associated with more drug abuse and diversion than any other licit or illicit opioid.” This is why you might hear the street names for the drug used even when someone is not involved in abuse. Many of these street names are common, and some are well-known even in non-abusive circles.

Some of the most common hydrocodone street names are:

• Hydro– a shortened version of the term hydrocodone
• Vikes– a shorted version of the brand name Vicodin, which contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone, and is one of the most popularly prescribed opioid pain killers
• Norco– another brand name for a hydrocodone product, actually called Norco, that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone
• Tabs– a shorted version of the brand name Lortab, another combination product containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone

There are also other street names for hydrocodone which may be less common but which you could still hear someone use to refer to the drug. They are:

• Watsons
• Watson-387
• Vikos or Viko
• 357s
• Lorris
• Codone

Why are Certain Street Names More Common?

It depends on whom you’re speaking to or where you are, but for the most part, the first four street names are more common among hydrocodone abusers. Hydro is just a popular, shortened version of the drug that, when said, does not make it seem as if the individual is speaking about a drug specifically. And because hydrocodone is commonly available as a combination drug, the shortened versions of its common brand names (Lortab, Vicodin, and Norco) are popular because individuals are naming the full drug which they are selling or looking for, in order to be specific.

Why Should I Know Hydrocodone Street Names?

It is important to know hydrocodone street names because you never know where they might come up. Someone you know may be talking about them at a party, and knowing what is going on around you can help you and keep you safe.

Also knowing the street names of hydrocodone gives you another sign to look for if you believe someone may be abusing the drug. Again, street names like vikes and hydro are commonly used, even by those who are not abusing the drug. But coupled with the other signs of abuse like

• Euphoria
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Secretive behavior

the use of these street names can be a sign of abuse. They can also help you narrow down what type of drug the individual is taking, if you are concerned about this fact. Hydrocodone is a highly abused and misused drug and knowing the street names can help keep you aware of the possibility of abuse.

Call  800-934-1582(Who Answers?) now to find hydrocodone addiction treatment programs near you!