The most searched slang word in Texas was “demure” in 2024. Do you know what this word means? Maybe you were one of the people who oogled it – no shame in that! As the years move on, we all develop new slang and grow out of touch with other types of slang. The internet can be a great help in decoding what our loved ones are talking about. So, if someone said the word “goodfella” to you, would you know what they are talking about? How about “demmies?” These are just two examples of street names used to refer to opioids, like fentanyl. Identifying when a loved one uses lingo like this could save a life. Here at San Antonio Recovery Center, we’ve heard every angle of how substance use is discovered in a family. Whether you hear them using street names or notice paraphernalia around the house, it can catch you off guard. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at street names for fentanyl, how to spot them, and what to do if you hear a loved one using them in conversation.
When talking about street names in the context of drugs, it’s not referring to “Main Street.” A street name is a nickname for a drug or substance used on the “street.” These types of names exist for most illicit substances as a way to talk about substance use in secrecy. Street names are applicable across all substances, including fentanyl. They are rarely something that someone “stumbles upon” without being at least partially involved with drugs in some capacity. This means that if you hear a loved one using a street name for fentanyl, it may be time to sit down and talk with them about it.
If street names are supposed to be a way to hide when someone is talking about drugs and drug usage, are you really going to just casually overhear them being used? Chances are, yes, at some point. Street names aren’t just used in verbal communication. They may be used in text or on social media. Maybe you notice your loved one liked a video that used language like this. Maybe they left their phone on the counter, and you saw a text using words you didn’t recognize. You might even hear it at a gathering with friends, when they’re off to the side with a buddy, and you happen to hear their conversation as they walk by. To better understand what these words mean and why they’re used, it helps to look at where fentanyl street names come from.
It’s impossible for any website or trusted source to know every single street name that’s ever been used in reference to fentanyl. If the public were fully aware of all names, then they wouldn’t be effective. On top of that, names change with trends, location, and more, so they do vary and evolve as time goes on. This is why understanding many of the common sources of fentanyl street names is important. It can allow you to better identify unknown street names and what they may mean. In most cases, the street names used for a substance have to do with one of three things: how the substance makes you feel, how the substance looks, or where the substance is commonly produced. This doesn’t mean that street names don’t exist outside of these parameters, but it’s the basis for most of them.
Before we talk about some of the most well-known street names for fentanyl, it’s important to note that this list is nowhere near exhaustive. Not only do names change over time, but they can vary from state to state, or even city to city. With the help of social media, street names are spread and evolve faster than ever before.
That doesn’t mean that these street names are no longer in use, or that they aren’t important to know. New street names can often be built off of existing ones, and these names are still posted online for a reason.
With that being said, here are a few of the most well-known street names for fentanyl:
Yes, there are different types of street names used for common drug combinations. Fentanyl is often added to many substances, though it’s not usually known by the person taking the substance. This means that there are fewer street names used for fentanyl in combination with other drugs, but here are just a few of the most well-known ones.
Fentanyl mixed with heroin is referred to as birria, chiva loca, or Facebook. The other most common is fentanyl mixed with crack cocaine, which is referred to as dirty fentanyl, or takeover.
Brand names may be used as a form of street name, especially if the brand name is not a popular word. Alternatively, the brand names for a substance can be used as part of a street name. A great example of this is for Xanax, where it’s often referred to as “xanny” or “xannies.”
Fentanyl is already a commercial name for the substance, but you may also encounter other brand names such as Actiq, Duragesic, or Sublimaze.
In this day and age, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that emojis are now being used as a form of street name for substances and substance use alike. Here are just a few examples of how emojis can be used to talk about drug use and fentanyl.
Whether this article helped you come to the conclusion, or you were already aware of this potential, finding out that your loved one is trying to hide their fentanyl usage can elicit a wide range of emotional responses.
It’s okay to feel mad, upset, betrayed, and anything else that may come naturally as a response to this. What isn’t okay is immediately going up to your loved one and taking that raw emotion out on them.
Your loved one is likely very aware that what they’re doing will cast judgment upon them and make those that they care about upset. This is why they’re hiding their topics of conversation in the first place.
Before approaching them about your concerns, take time to process your emotions and gather your thoughts. You should enter the conversation from a point of love and concern, not anger, judgment, and resentment. During the conversation, be open to listening to them without intense reactions, and be prepared to hear things that may be upsetting.
The most important thing you need to do is remind them that you love them and want to see them live a long and happy life. Offer your support in helping them research facilities and next steps towards healing.
You can do this, and so can they.
Stepping away from fentanyl use can feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to have given up the thought of having a future, but that future is still there and within your reach. There are options for treatment for fentanyl addiction available right here in San Antonio. Facilities that offer the full continuum of care, from detox to outpatient and beyond. You don’t have to wait to start this next chapter in your life.
Our team at San Antonio Recovery Center is here to help you find healing. With the largest alumni network in the city, we are proof that recovery is always an option. When you walk through our doors, we’re offering a lifelong commitment to your healing journey, so why wait? Give us a call today at 866-957-7885 to get started.
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