Parent's Guide to Recognising Drug Names

Help and advice

Understanding the language young people use about drugs can help parents stay informed and address potential concerns. This guide highlights common drug names, their street terms, and what they look like to assist parents in recognising and identifying substances.

A to Z of Drugs

Heard a name or street name for a drug but not sure what it is? This list will help you identify the drug. Click on the link to view a full information page and find out more about the drug, its use, effects and potential harms.

A to E

F to J

K to O

P to T

U to Z

A – E

A2 – Synthetic Piperazines. See Emerging Drugs.
Acid – Hallucinogens.
Barbiturates – Depressants. See What are illegal drugs?
Base – Methamphetamine.
Bath Salts – Synthetic Cathinones. See Emerging Drugs.
Benzo Fury – Substituted Phenethylamines. See Emerging Drugs.
Benzos – Benzodiazepines.
Cannabis
Charlie – Cocaine.
Cocaine
Coke – Cocaine.
Crack – Cocaine.
Crystal – Methamphetamine.
Death on Impact – Substituted Phenethylamines. See Emerging Drugs.
Dope – Cannabis.
E – MDMA/Ecstasy.
Eccy – MDMA/Ecstasy.
Ecstasy

F – J

Fantasy – GHB.
Foxy – Substituted Tryptamines. See Emerging Drugs.
Freebase – Cocaine.
GHB
Gina – GHB.
Go-ey – Methamphetamine.
Grievous bodily harm – GHB.
Hallucinogens
Hash – Cannabis.
Herbal smoking blends – Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Heroin
Jungle Juice – Inhalants.
Ice – Methamphetamines.
Inhalants
Ivory Wave – Synthetic Cathinones. See Emerging Drugs

K – O

K – Ketamine.
K2 – Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Ketamine
Kronik – Synthetic Cannabinoids.
“Legal Highs” – Emerging Drugs.
Liquid ecstasy – GHB.
LSD – Hallucinogens.
M1 – Synthetic Cathinones. See Emerging Drugs.
Magic Mushrooms – Hallucinogens.
Marijuana – Cannabis.
Meow Meow – Synthetic Cathinones. See Emerging Drugs.
Mescaline – Hallucinogens.
Meth – Methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine
Methoxetamine – Dissociative Anaesthetics. See Emerging Drugs.
M-Kat – Synthetic Cathinones. See Emerging Drugs.
Moxy – Dissociative Anaesthetics. See Emerging Drugs.
Mull – Cannabis.
MXE – Dissociative Anaesthetics. See Emerging Drugs.
N-Bomb – Substituted Phenethylamines. See Emerging Drugs.
Northern Lights – Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Opiates – Heroin.

P – T

Party Drugs – MDMA/Ecstasy.
Poppers – Inhalants.
Rapture – Synthetic Piperazines. See Emerging Drugs.
Salvia – Hallucinogens.
Smack – Heroin.
Snow – Cocaine.
Special K – Ketamine.
Speed – Methamphetamine.
Spice – Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Tabs – Hallucinogens.
Tina – Methamphetamine.

U – Z

Vitamin K – Ketamine.
Weed – Cannabis.

Slang and Drug Talk

Slang for Using Drugs:

“Blazing” – Smoking cannabis.

“Chopping” – Preparing cocaine for use.

“Popping pills” – Taking prescription or party drugs.

Concealing Drugs: Terms like “stash,” “gear,” and “stuff” may be used.

How to talk to your child

Stay Calm – Avoid accusations and focus on understanding their perspective.

Ask Open Questions – Encourage honest dialogue without judgement.

Provide Support – Offer help if they’re struggling or experimenting.

Seek Professional Advice – Contact organisations like Hope-FX for guidance and support.