24/7 Support Line - Call Now
Free Insurance Verification
Verify your treatment coverage

Prescription Drug Street Names

By their formal names, prescription drugs sound far different than they do when referred to by slang terms. It’s common for people to use prescription drug street names instead of the formal names. People may use a street name for prescription drugs to avoid detection by either law enforcement or family members. Prescription drugs’ street names can make it possible to refer to these powerful drugs in conversation without others understanding the references.

2 Minute Read | Published Aug 02 2023 | Updated Mar 07 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Dr. Norman Chazin
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Dr. Norman Chazin
Reviewed by

Prescription drug street names change regularly, so the terms people use currently to refer to prescription medications may become obsolete a short time in the future. But generally, the slang terms will have some connection to the characteristics of prescription drugs. Street names may be based on the effects of the drug, how people use the drug, or the appearance of the capsules or tablets. Sometimes, the terms are based on abbreviations or expanded forms of medical names.

Slang Terms to Know

  • Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid is a medication prescribed for narcolepsy. People may take this medication to induce euphoria. On the street, GHB may be called “goop,” “soap,” “G,” or “liquid X.”
  • Ketamine is a veterinary medication that some people take recreationally. Street names for this drug include “vitamin K,” “Kit Kat,” and “cat Valium.”
  • Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient in cold medications, and people take it to induce hallucinations. Street names for this medicine include “dex,” “velvet,” and “robo.”
  • Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs often prescribed for anxiety. The slang terms for these drugs include “chill pills,” “French fries,” and “blues.”
  • Stimulant prescription drugs include dextroamphetamine and Adderall. These drugs may be referred to as “vitamin R,” “beans,” “rid,” or “bennies.”

Get Help Now

If you hear a street name for prescription drugs in conversation, someone you know may have an addiction problem, and if so, we can help. BetterAddictionCare works with an addiction recovery network of treatment centers located nationwide, and these centers are staffed by highly trained professionals who offer addiction counseling and customized therapy to address personal addiction issues. The centers offer cost-effective therapy, and many are accepting new patients.

When you want to get help now, call today to speak with a counselor. Or if you prefer, you can fill out our contact form and a client care specialist will call you. Our committed recovery teams are ready to help not only by finding you individualized inpatient treatment but also by providing extended support even after discharge. Isn’t it time to get sober and end the destructive pattern of addiction?

UP NEXT

Related Articles

Clonidine Abuse Updated: Mar 06 2024 Clonidine is a medication used to treat anxiety, high blood pressure, and the symptoms of alcohol or opioid withdrawal. Clonidine is a depressant medication considered less harmful than...
Commonly Abused OTC Medications Updated: Mar 06 2024 OTC medications are those which you can buy over the counter at the grocery store or drug store. But just because they’re available without...
Learn What the Top 10 Most Abused Prescription Drugs Are Updated: Mar 06 2024 If you are on this site, chances are, either you or a loved one are showing signs of addiction. Researching is a great...

Before you go...

Download our comprehensive eBook now for insights, strategies, and real-life stories to guide your journey to recovery.