Most parents want to make sure their teenager stays away from drugs and is making safe choices. This can sometimes mean monitoring a teen’s social media presence, or their online and text communication with friends.
However, it’s rarely as simple as a teen announcing their drug usage in explicit terms. Through the use of slang and emojis, many teens have an entire language all their own and it can be difficult to understand.
This glossary can help decode your child’s conversations, as well as deepening your understanding of why your teen might be drawn to specific drugs or substances.
We’ve included the drug class, name, identifier, slang names and emojis associated with each, as well as other important information for parents.
It’s important to remember that the use of these emojis on their own doesn’t necessarily mean that your teen is using drugs. It’s important to take in the context of the entire conversation, while also considering that certain texts may be referential, like a song lyric, internet meme, or even an inside joke.
If you have concerns about your teen’s drug usage, it’s best to start with an honest and non-accusatory conversation.
Note: As with all slang, street names and emojis can vary by region.
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Nicotine (NIC)
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound that naturally occurs in tobacco plants and is found in tobacco products. It stimulates the central nervous system, which can increase attentiveness and focus, while releasing dopamine and norepinephrine into the body, producing a temporary mood-boosting and even calming effect. Some teens may use nicotine as a way of connecting with their peers socially, and because it is more widely accessible, it’s sought after for its calming effects. Teens who tend toward disordered eating may also use it as an appetite suppressant. In the short-term, nicotine can cause sleep disturbances, headaches, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, and even joint pain. In the long-term, nicotine can increase the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular issues, and smoking nicotine causes damage to nearly every organ in the body, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Nicotine is available over-the-counter.
Legal names: Cigarettes, cigars, vape, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches
Teen slang terms for Nicotine: Heaters, cigs, vapes, carts, ZYNs, pillows
Emojis for Nicotine: 🚬
Alcohol (ALC)
Alcohol is a depressant, psychoactive drug found in alcoholic beverages. It’s legal for adults in many countries, and consumed for recreational and social purposes. Alcohol has an intoxicating effect because it impacts the sympathetic nervous system. It can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and reduced anxiety; it can also lower inhibition and self-consciousness, making some individuals more social and inclined to take risks. There are many reasons why a teen might use alcohol. It may help them socialize, cope with anxiety or stress, or provide relief from difficult or painful life circumstances. In the short-term, alcohol use can cause drowsiness and loss of coordination, as well as greater risk-taking behaviors (like driving under the influence or sexual activity). In the long-term, prolonged alcohol use can increase the risk of liver damage, heart disease, pancreatic disease, brain damage, and addiction, the latter of which can lead to life-threatening withdrawal if use is abruptly stopped or cut back. No prescription is necessary to purchase alcohol.
Formal names: Ethanol, ethyl alcohol (EtOH)
Teen slang terms for Alcohol: Booze, hooch, moonshine, tipple, toddy, red-eye, juice, alky, hard stuff, vino, draft, suds, liquid courage
Emojis for Alcohol: 🍺, 🍹, 🥃, 🍷, 🍾, 🥴
Cannabis
Cannabis is a drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It has historically had spiritual and medicinal purposes across cultures, and can also be used recreationally. Depending on which part of the plant is used, its effects (and legality) may vary. There are many components of the Cannabis plant, and not all of them produce the same effect. The two most common cannabinoids are CBD and THC.
Cannabidiol (CBD), for example, is often used as a supplement and medically has been used as an anticonvulsant for epilepsy. CBD is derived from hemp, a sub-species of Cannabis that has comparatively miniscule amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), therefore it’s not considered intoxicating. It can even be purchased legally depending on where you live. Please keep in mind that although CBD has very small amounts of THC, it can sometimes cause positive drug screens for THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which we’ll describe more below, is a psychoactive component of the plant, which does have an intoxicating effect. Some states have legalized its use to alleviate medical pain, while some permit recreational use for adults. It produces a euphoric feeling — sometimes leading to laughter or deeper relaxation, and even expansive and more creative thinking.
Depending on which part of the plant is being used, there are a wide range of reasons why a teen would use cannabis. It could be as benign as improving sleep or appetite, or as serious as coping with chronic pain, depression, ADHD, or anxiety. Because of its increasing availability, many teens are drawn to THC in particular for its euphoric and pleasurable effects. Because teens are still developing, it’s not recommended that they use THC in particular as it can impact the brain’s cognitive function overtime, and if smoked, can also negatively impact the respiratory system. THC use is generally not advisable for those with bipolar disorder or a history of psychosis due to the risk of triggering or exacerbating manic or psychotic episodes. Prolonged use at high dosages can also result in gastrointestinal issues like cyclical vomiting and chronic nausea. Some states permit the use of Medical Marijuana, but due to federal law, healthcare providers can’t prescribe it, so it must be purchased through a local dispensary. Most commonly, THC is recommended to alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite associated with terminal or chronic conditions.
Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the part of the Cannabis plant that is psychoactive, meaning it impacts the brain and therefore affects mood, behavior, and thoughts.
Legal names: Tetrahydrocannabinol, Marinol, Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Medical Marijuana
Teen slang terms for Cannabis or Marijuana: Pot, grass, blunts, mota, yerba, grifa, dope, ganja, gerb, joints, Mary Jane, reefer, sinsemilla, skunk, weed
Emojis for Marijuana or Cannabis: 🍃, 💨, 🔥, 🌴, 😮, 🍀, 🌲, 🌳, 🌱, 🪴, 🌿, 🍁, 🥦, 🥬, 🌹, 😮💨, 🚬
THC Extract, Concentrate (AKA wax): 🍯, 🐝, 🧈, 🕯️, 💧
THC Edibles: 🍭, 🍬
THC Vape Cartridges: 🛒
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increases activity in the central nervous system, resulting in heightened alertness, increased energy, and improved focus. Often prescribed for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, prescription stimulants help manage symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Teens may misuse these drugs due to academic pressure, the need to stay awake, the desire to enhance cognitive performance, appetite suppression, or simply to experience euphoria. Since stimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain, they can create a temporary sense of pleasure and motivation, making them appealing for misuse. When used at therapeutic dosages (so, as prescribed), risks are minimal. However, at recreational dosages (which are much higher), addiction is a serious concern, as well as myriad mental health effects and cardiac issues. With cocaine in particular, intravenous usage could also lead to blood infections and other disease concerns. Stimulants can be prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Types of Stimulants:
Inhalants/Huffing
This refers to toxic chemicals that people inhale or “huff” to get a euphoric high. These chemicals are often found in other consumer products like cleaners, glue, and other household items. Depending on the substance and dose, inhalants are considered to be psychoactive (so, they impact mood, thoughts, and behavior). The effects can range from alcohol-like intoxication and euphoria, to intense hallucinations and passing out. Because inhalants are more accessible than other drugs and have a short half-life, they’re more common in party scenes or even a friend’s garage, and are sought out mostly for their intoxicating effects. The short answer is, your teen is likely using for fun — but as with any substance use, they may have underlying struggles they’re attempting to cope with. The short-term risks are mostly related to injury while using, such as driving under the influence, or injury and death associated with lack of oxygen or passing out, such as hitting one’s head, heart failure, hypoxia, or aspiration of vomit. Long term use of solvents can cause memory loss and other forms of brain damage.
Medication or product names: Solvents, paint thinners, gasoline, glues, butane, propane, aerosol propellants, nitrous oxide, isoamyl, isobutyl, cyclohexyl, adhesives, spray paint, hairspray, dry cleaning fluid, spot remover, lighter fluid, Dust-off, cough syrups, air fresheners, deodorants, whipped cream, helium balloons, markers, correction fluid, hand sanitizer, nutmeg, motion sickness or allergy meds
Teen slang terms for Inhalants: Laughing gas, poppers, snappers, whippets, rush, bagging, dusting
Emojis for Inhalants: 💨, 🧴, 🧯, ⚠️
Sedatives, Hypnotics, Anxiolytics
This is a type of drug used primarily for their relaxing effects, whether that’s calming anxiety and agitation (sedative and anxiolytic), and/or inducing or sustaining sleep (hypnotic). These drugs are largely depressants that work with the central nervous system, which is why they in essence “slow down” the brain and body, and help with relaxation and sleep. Teens may use this type of drug for relaxation, especially if they tend toward anxiety, restlessness, and/or high stress. These drugs can be dependency-forming, even at therapeutic doses. There are also risks associated with accidental or intentional overdose (suicide), or injury and death associated with drowsiness or confusion. There’s an especially high risk when mixed with alcohol. There’s also a risk of life-threatening withdrawal associated with both benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
Types of Sedatives:
Opioids
A class of drug derived from (or designed to mimic) substances found in the opium poppy plant. It’s primarily a pain relief intervention, though recreationally, it’s also sought after for its intense euphoric and relaxing effects. Opioids are sometimes easier to access than some other drugs. In fact, some teens begin with their own prescription after an injury, dental work, or surgery, or that of a loved one. From there, they may become dependent, using the drug to soothe physical pain or emotional distress. Alternatively, they may simply be curious and enjoy the euphoric or relaxing effects. Short-term side effects can include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, and GI issues. Prolonged recreational use can result in addiction, and overdose or use alongside other substances can even result in death.
Types of Opioids:
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens describe a broad class of psychoactive drugs — meaning they can impact mood, behavior, and thought. Hallucinogens specifically can also alter one’s perception of reality and experience of consciousness. It depends on the specific drug and dosage. The most prominent feature of hallucinogens is their impact on consciousness, which can range from out-of-body experiences, delirium, hallucination, intense euphoria and expansive thinking, and more. Hallucinogens can be popular among teens due to the misguided beliefs that they are not addictive or “hard” drugs. Some teens are drawn to hallucinogens for the experience — whether that’s taking ecstasy at a concert to elevate their experience of the music, trying shrooms with the hopes of having a spiritual epiphany, or trying ketamine or acid to bond with peers. However, the line between experimentation and escape can be unclear, and a teen’s motivation does not mean their drug use is safe. Some teens may be drawn to consciousness-altering drugs because of underlying mental health issues, or because their drug use is escalating. Risks depends on the drug and dosing. See each individual drug below for a clearer idea of the risks associated with each.
Types of Hallucinogens:
Other Hallucinogens:
Ayahuasca, DMT, Salvia Divinorum, Fly Agaric Mushroom
Steroids
Steroids generally have a wide range of medicinal uses, including treating inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disease. However, anabolic steroids/androgens are the steroids most parents are concerned about teens misusing, due to their masculinizing and performance enhancing effects. Anabolic steroids/androgens are specifically manufactured to mimic the effects of the hormone testosterone. Teens may use anabolic steroids/androgens to enhance physical capabilities, particularly among athletes, or to cope with body dysmorphia and/or gender dysphoria (so, they use them for their masculinizing effects). Risks are highly dosage-dependent, and may vary depending on the age and sex of the teen, and where they are in their development. If abused, they can cause cardiac complications. In teens, it’s most common to see this prescribed for cisgender boys experiencing delayed puberty or transgender individuals as part of masculinizing hormone replacement therapy. But they may also be prescribed for severe anemia associated with leukemia or kidney failure, or individuals struggling with recovery from certain chronic conditions.
Teen slang terms for steroids: Sports drugs, roids, arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, stackers, weight trainers
Emojis for steroids: 💉, 💊, 💪, 💥
Prescription names: Jatenzo, Andriol (oral); Striant (tablets); Natesto (nasal gel); Androgel, Fortesta, Testim, Testosterone (skin gels); Axiron, Testosterone (skin solutions); Androderm (patches); Depo-Testosterone, Delatestyrl, Aveed (injectable solutions)
If prescribed, why? In teens, it’s most common to see this prescribed for cisgender boys experiencing delayed puberty or transgender individuals as part of masculinizing hormone replacement therapy. But they may also be prescribed for severe anemia associated with leukemia or kidney failure, or individuals struggling with recovery from certain chronic conditions.
How Evolve Can Help
At Evolve, we understand the challenges parents face when navigating teen mental health and substance use.
Our team of experienced professionals offers comprehensive and compassionate support. We provide individualized care plans that consider each child’s unique needs, while working closely with families to ensure the right treatment approach, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Ready to find the right support for your child? Contact Evolve Treatment today to learn more about how we can help guide you through every step of the journey.
