In 2021, opioids, including fentanyl, claimed the lives of 6,000 Californians. This alarming statistic devastates many families, communities, and workplaces in the state. It highlights the importance of recognizing early warning signs of a fentanyl use disorder. The sooner an intervention occurs, the better we can offer support and education on preventative measures, such as naloxone, that save many lives.
Pacific Sands is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of fentanyl in our community. By learning about common warning signs, like street names for fentanyl, family members and friends become empowered to take the necessary steps to help their loved ones reclaim their lives and reduce the number of overdose deaths in the community. Today, we will discuss some of the most common names for this substance.
What Is a Street Name and Why Are They Used?
While doctors can prescribe someone fentanyl, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also used illicitly. Street names disguise illicit use in conversations with others, especially around concerned loved ones. When someone unaware of the street names hears them, they most likely will not understand what the person is talking about or misinterpret the words or phrases as innocent or related to something else.
These terms are also often used in entertainment, especially music, to disguise the substance from the general population. People who take those substances will understand what the music is about. Others not in those communities will be unaware of the references.
Why Does It Matter That You Are Aware of Fentanyl Street Names?
If someone you love is taking fentanyl, being aware of these street names allows you to know if they are taking it. More than likely, they will try to hide the substance from you because they don’t want you to be concerned about it, try to stop them, or they might feel guilt or shame about a fentanyl use disorder. Learning about the different potential street names lets you know when your loved one might need help or, at least, if you should have a calm and judgment-free conversation about the terms or phrases they use.
Recognizing The Most Common Brand Names for Fentanyl
A doctor can prescribe fentanyl for pain relief, and it comes in lozenges, tablets, sprays, and patches. This means that prescriptions often have brand names associated with each type. Fentanyl lozenges, sometimes referred to as “lollipops,” have the brand name Actiq. Typical fentanyl tablets physicians might prescribe are effervescent buccal tablets known as Fentora or sublingual tablets known as Abstral. Sprays include nasal ones known as Lazanda or sublingual ones known as Subsys. Transdermal patches commonly go by the brand name Duragesic.
How to Spot the Most Common Street Names for Fentanyl
Street names for fentanyl can vary not only nationally but regionally as well. This is because different states and areas might have varying ways of referring to something, leading to a diverse pool of fentanyl-related names. These names are created from several factors and designed so those who sell and buy the substance can identify it without it grabbing the attention of others, like concerned loved ones.
Some of these might be more recognizable to the untrained ear as they are variations on the word “fentanyl,” while others are more descriptive of the substance. Common descriptions that show up in a street name for fentanyl include where the substance originates from and the color it is.
| Street Names | Origin of the Name(s) | Type of Fentanyl it Refers To |
|---|---|---|
| F, Fuf, Fenty, Fent, Freddy | Derivatives of the word “fentanyl” | Typically used by law enforcement as a code word, but may be used by others to refer to general fentanyl |
| China Girl, Chinese Buffet, China Town | References the poppy plants in China, where the substance comes from | Refers to fentanyl that comes from China |
| Pharmacy | This name comes from the prescribed form of fentanyl | Refers to fentanyl that has been prescribed to someone. It doesn’t matter what form that medication takes |
| Lollipop | It is similar to “pharmacy.” It comes from the prescribed lozenge form of fentanyl | Refers to the Actiq or lozenge forms of fentanyl |
| Blue Diamond, Blues, Blue Dolphin | It comes from the blue color of the fentanyl | Refers to blue-colored fentanyl |
| China White | This name comes from the poppy plants from China and also references the white color of the substance | Refers to fentanyl that is white and comes from China |
| White Girls | It comes from the white color of fentanyl | Refers to fentanyl that is white-colored |
| King Ivory | It comes from the ivory color of fentanyl | Refers to fentanyl that is ivory-colored |
| Gray Stuff | It comes from the gray color of fentanyl | Refers to fentanyl that is gray-colored |
When Names Overlap – What Street Names Does Fentanyl Share With Other Substances?
Some street names for fentanyl are the same as those associated with other substances. Because it is a common practice to cut fentanyl without informing anyone that it happened, many times, the substance begins to take on the exact slang words as another. For example, Apache may refer to fentanyl, but it can also mean cocaine. Other names for cocaine that can also mean fentanyl include Blonde and Snowflake. Slang words for heroin that can also indicate fentanyl include Poison and Dragon.
Sometimes, some names can indicate more than just 1 or 2 substances. For example, the slang word “Shoes” might mean fentanyl, but it also could be a reference to heroin or marijuana. Likewise, the term “Girl” means fentanyl, cocaine, or heroin.
Fentanyl Emoji Names to Know on Your Loved One’s Phone
On a loved one’s phone, they might refer to fentanyl or other substances with emojis. These are meant to communicate with people trying to purchase or sell the substance without causing alarm to anyone who might look at their phone or accidentally be sent the message. Below are 3 of the most common emojis that might be used to indicate that someone is talking about fentanyl. Remember that some emojis can have different meanings, but noticing these in your loved one’s phone indicates starting a conversation with them.
- 💊– Can mean fentanyl, but may also be used to talk about hydrocodone, oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and ecstasy
- 💉– Can mean fentanyl, but may also be used to talk about heroin or cocaine
- 🐌– Typically is only used to indicate fentanyl
Slang for Fentanyl Mixed with Other Substances: Why Does It Matter?
Fentanyl is more potent than morphine and heroin, and just a tiny amount mixed into another substance can create a dangerous outcome, such as a fentanyl overdose. Regardless of the dangers associated, it is still a common practice. Typically, it happens because the drug dealer wants to increase their supply and lower their production costs while creating a more potent substance. People who purchase the substance are often unaware it has been cut, and they might not refer to these names.
However, some slang terms you might hear from a loved one or your loved one might be exposed to indicate that the substance may have been cut. Awareness of these terms might keep your loved one safe if they are consuming one of the substances associated with them on a typical basis. Common ones include:
- Chiva Loca or Birria, which is fentanyl mixed with heroin
- Facebook, which is the pill form of fentanyl mixed with heroin
- Takeover or Dirty Fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with cocaine
How to Spot Street Names for Fentanyl That Aren’t Easily Found Online
Street names for fentanyl are constantly changing to continue to stay under the radar of law enforcement and concerned loved ones. There might also be names used more often in a specific location and are not widely known. Because of this, you might encounter names that are not easily found online. If you run across a name that you are unfamiliar with, how can you know if your loved one is talking about fentanyl, another substance, or something else entirely?
The easiest way to know is through the use of “context” signs of fentanyl use. While not all of these signs might not necessarily indicate fentanyl use specifically, they might be associated with a substance use disorder in general, which can assist you in knowing when to address your concerns with them. These signs are ones you might notice from your loved one like the side effects of taking the substance which can include slurred speech or euphoria.
Seeing or hearing certain words or phrases in addition to certain paraphernalia is also an indication that they might be refrenceing street names. Paraphernalia associated with fentanyl include plastic bags, miniature spoons, or syringes. Your loved one might also have fentanyl test strips and/or naloxone in their possession if they are consuming fentanyl or another substance. These items are tools that can keep your loved one safe from fentanyl.
Recovering from Fentanyl Use Disorder in Santa Ana, CA
If you or someone you love has been regularly using street names for fentanyl in their conversations, it could be a sign of a fentanyl use disorder. This condition impacts a person’s personal and professional life, making it challenging to focus on tasks, remain reliable, and maintain meaningful relationships. These have serious consequences and might result in someone falling behind in their career in exchange for thinking about and seeking out the substance.
The good news is that it is never too late to find recovery. Even if you have attended treatment in the past and returned to use, you are still capable of reclaiming your life from a fentanyl use disorder. Through fentanyl detox, you will take the first step toward a healthier life in a safe, secure, and supportive environment designed to allow you to focus all of your energy on recovery. Following detox, you will begin a compassionate treatment program that provides you with the necessary tools to make leaving this substance behind easier with practice and time.
Pacific Sands is located in Santa Ana, CA, and has a maximum of 6 clients, ensuring you receive the most attentive care you deserve. In addition, our primary therapist is on-site 50 hours a week, guaranteeing your recovery needs are met. Contact us at 949-426-7962 for more information about our fentanyl treatment or to schedule a consultation.
