Teens hide things from their parents all the time, and one of those could be drug use. It’s really important that parents get clued in.
To help, here are common drug slang terms to help you decode your child's cryptic conversations with friends. This list is not exhaustive, and slang changes quickly, so pay attention to and research terms that sound unusual.
Dextromethorphan: Think of this as regular, over-the-counter cough syrup, which is an easily accessible and commonly abused drug for teens. Slang terms associated with cough syrup include DM, dex, dexing, drex, vitamin D, robo, rojo, triple C and tussin.
Prescription drugs: Prescription drugs are also easy to get, as well as to conceal. Whether from home, a friend or a dealer, prescription drugs are some of the most abused drugs available, especially considering how many drugs are prescribed for treating pain, anxiety, depression or ADHD. Some of the most common street terms for prescription drugs are pharmies, pharms, xanibars (Xanax), vic (Vicodin), O.C. or killers (OxyContin) and kibbles n’ bits (Ritalin).
Marijuana: With the legalization of marijuana in many states, the perception of it is changing compared to just a few years ago, especially with teens. Teens may use terms such as pot, weed, bud, grass, ganja, blunt, joint, fattie, hydro, Manhattan silver, poke, Mary Jane and indo.
Synthetic cannabis: As an alternative to marijuana and made from plants sprayed with chemicals designed to imitate marijuana, you may hear this referred to as incense, K2 or spice.
Methamphetamine: Meth is a common drug. Often sold as a white powder or crystal shards, meth can be snorted, smoked or injected. Terms to refer to meth include speed, crystal, ice, chalk, snow, glass, tweak or crank. Some terms for using meth are go fast, tweaking, spinning, cranking, getting glassed and getting fried.
Heroin: Heroin has increased in popularity and availability, and permeates suburban communities and neighborhoods. Some terms include smack, thunder, big H, ska, skag, junk, snow, antifreeze and more. Some terms associated with using heroin are doing up, shooting up, chasing the tiger, and going on the nod.
Rophynol: Commonly known as a party drug or a "date rape" drug, you may hear this referred to as roofies.
Mixing drugs: It is common to mix drugs. For example, heroin users may crush acetaminophen tablets in with heroin to produce a different effect. This is referred to as cheese.
If you suspect your teen is using drugs, the key to helping is awareness and communication. When you notice these terms in conversation or over text, along with behavior changes, take advantage of online resources, such as Teen Rehab Center or the National Institute on Drug Abuse to help you address the issue.
Pacific Bay Recovery understands the challenge of watching a friend, family member or loved one struggle with addiction. We are here to help.
Visit http://www.pacificbayrecovery.com/ for information or to request a consultation.
