Illegal drugs have long been a subject of intrigue and concern, not least because of their impact on individuals and society as a whole. Whether it’s for escapism, experimentation, or addiction, drugs come in various forms and have a range of street names that might surprise you. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the UK, their street names, how they are typically used, and their risks.
Cocaine
Street names: Coke, Charlie, Snow, Blow
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from coca leaves. It’s a popular party drug in the UK due to its energising effects. It’s typically sold as a white powder and is most commonly snorted. Some users rub it onto their gums or dissolve it in water for injection, though these methods are less common.
Short-term risks: Increased heart rate, paranoia, anxiety, and aggression. Overdose can cause heart attacks or seizures.
Long-term risks: Addiction, nasal damage from snorting, cardiovascular problems, and mental health disorders.
Ecstasy
Street names: E, Pills, Mandy, XTC
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug associated with rave and club culture. Usually sold as colourful pills or capsules, ecstasy is taken orally. It’s known for creating feelings of euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and increased energy levels.
Short-term risks: Dehydration, overheating, and confusion. Risk of adulterants in pills.
Long-term risks: Memory issues, depression, and liver or kidney damage.
Heroin
Street names: Smack, Brown, Gear, H
Heroin is an opiate derived from morphine. In the UK, it often comes as a brownish powder. Heroin is typically injected, but some users smoke or snort it. Heroin is notorious for its high addiction potential and devastating health consequences.
Short-term risks: Euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, and slowed breathing. Overdose can be fatal.
Long-term risks: Severe addiction, vein damage, infections, and liver or kidney disease.
Cannabis
Street names: Weed, Pot, Skunk, Ganja
Cannabis is perhaps the most widely used illegal drug in the UK. Derived from the cannabis plant, cannabis is usually smoked in hand-rolled joints or pipes. It can also be consumed in edibles or as an oil. The effects vary but typically include relaxation and altered perception.
Short-term risks: Impaired memory, paranoia, and impaired coordination.
Long-term risks: Dependence, mental health issues like psychosis, and respiratory problems from smoking.
Ketamine
Street names: K, Special K, Kit Kat, Ket
Originally a medical anaesthetic, ketamine is a dissociative drug popular in party scenes. Ketamine is often sold as a white or off-white powder, which is snorted. Sometimes, it’s injected or taken orally. Users report out-of-body experiences and hallucinations, though it’s also known to cause a “K-hole” — an unpleasant dissociative state.
Short-term risks: Disorientation, hallucinations, and nausea.
Long-term risks: Bladder damage, addiction, and memory issues.
LSD
Street names: Acid, Tabs, Blotters, Lucy
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and thought processes. LSD is usually sold as small squares of blotting paper (“tabs”) placed under the tongue, but it can also come as a liquid or in capsules.
Short-term risks: Intense hallucinations, panic, and paranoia.
Long-term risks: Flashbacks, persistent psychosis, and mood disorders.
Methamphetamine
Street names: Crystal Meth, Ice, Crank, Glass
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine is often found as a crystalline powder or clear crystals. It’s typically smoked, snorted, or injected. Known for its highly addictive nature, methamphetamine can cause severe physical and mental health issues.
Short-term risks: Aggression, insomnia, and increased heart rate. Overdose can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
Long-term risks: Addiction, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), and brain damage.
Crack Cocaine
Street names: Crack, Rocks, Base
Crack cocaine is a more potent, smokable form of cocaine. Sold in solid “rocks,” it’s usually smoked using a pipe or foil. The effects are immediate but short-lived, leading to repeated use and a high risk of addiction.
Short-term risks: Intense euphoria, paranoia, and aggression. Overdose can cause seizures or heart attacks.
Long-term risks: Addiction, lung damage, and cardiovascular issues.
Magic Mushrooms
Street names: Shrooms, Mushies, Liberty Caps
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen. In the UK, they’re often eaten raw or brewed into tea. They can cause vivid hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, but the effects vary greatly depending on the dose and individual.
Short-term risks: Nausea, hallucinations, and panic.
Long-term risks: Persistent psychological issues and flashbacks.
Amphetamines
Street names: Speed, Uppers, Whizz, Billy
Amphetamines are stimulants that increase energy and focus. Sold as a white or off-white powder, they are typically snorted, swallowed, or sometimes injected. Amphetamines are less potent than methamphetamine but still carry risks of addiction and adverse effects on mental health.
Short-term risks: Increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia.
Long-term risks: Addiction, cardiovascular problems, and mental health disorders.
GHB
Street names: Liquid Ecstasy, G, Gina
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a depressant often associated with party and club scenes. It’s a clear liquid taken orally, typically mixed with a drink. Known for its sedative effects, it can also be highly dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol.
Short-term risks: Drowsiness, confusion, and risk of overdose leading to coma.
Long-term risks: Dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
PCP
Street names: Angel Dust, Peace Pill
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug that causes hallucinations and feelings of detachment. It’s usually sold as a white powder or tablet and can be snorted, smoked, or swallowed. It has unpredictable effects, which can include severe agitation and paranoia.
Short-term risks: Hallucinations, aggressive behaviour, and nausea.
Long-term risks: Severe mental health issues, addiction, and memory loss.
Spice
Street names: Synthetic Cannabis, K2, Black Mamba
Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics the effects of cannabis. Sold as dried plant material sprayed with chemicals, it’s usually smoked or vaped. The effects can vary from relaxation to severe agitation, and it’s associated with significant health risks.
Short-term risks: Increased heart rate, paranoia, and aggressive behaviour.
Long-term risks: Dependence, respiratory issues, and severe mental health disorders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance misuse, there is help available. You can call your local drug and alcohol agency, look on Hub of Hope and select the area of help you require or search the web.
