List Of Illegal Drugs A-Z

There are many legal and illegal drugs available to be purchased at a pharmacy or on the street. Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep track of which drugs are harmful and which are safe, the recommended dosage of beneficial drugs, and which ones can cause an overdose in very small amounts.

Here, Avenues Recovery presents a list of illegal drugs for your reference. The list of drugs that are illegal is long, but it’s worth using this article to find and learn about a drug that you’re considering using, so you will be educated on its potential dangers.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘A’:

Alcohol- Although not illegal per se, there are restrictions on the production and sale of alcohol, to prevent the damage excessive alcohol can cause. Also known as booze, goon, or liquor, alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and should be consumed in moderation and in accordance with the government guidelines.
Amphetamine- Prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, Amphetamine can cause serious damage to the heart when misused. It is a stimulant known as ice, black beauties, crank, and speed on the street, and can result in serious side effects like hallucinations, paranoia, and overdose when chronically misused.
Amyl Nitrite- A depressant, amyl nitrite is a vasodilator, which means that it causes the blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to drop. It is a flammable and volatile oil known on the street as poppers, rush, liquid gold, and buzz, and can lead to several dangerous side effects.
Anabolic S teroids- These are synthetic drugs that can be prescribed to treat health issues, but, unfortunately, are widely misused. It is created based on male hormones and is used to build muscle, particularly for athletes and bodybuilders who want to enhance their physical appearance. Misusing the drug can cause uncomfortable effects and a drastic change in appearance.
Ativan- A medication prescribed to treat anxiety, Ativan is addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms when use is suddenly stopped. It is a sedative with euphoric effects, making it attractive but dangerous. Known as downers, benzos, and nerve pills on the street, Ativan should not be taken in high doses for an extended period of time.
Ayahuasca- A Schedule I drug containing DMT, ayahuasca is naturally derived from a plant and is classed as a psychedelic. This means that using the drug can cause altered senses, including cognition, sense of time, and emotions. Ayahuasca is consumed as a drink, and can cause many adverse physical, emotional, and psychological effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, and, in extreme cases, bad trips.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘B’:

Barbiturates- Prescribed to treat convulsions or seizures, and used for general anesthesia in surgeries, barbiturates are classed as sedative-hypnotics because they cause the user to feel relaxed or drowsy. They can quickly become addictive when obtained illegally, and cause damage to the liver, heart, blood pressure, and other internal organs.
Benzodiazepines- Called benzos or downers on the street, benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis. They are prescribed as medication under the brand names Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin, but Alprazolam and Diazepam are most commonly abused. These drugs slow the central nervous system, causing overdose and death when misused in large quantities.
Buprenorphine- Although buprenorphine can be misused because of its addictive properties, it is actually prescribed to assist people with opioid use disorder experiencing withdrawal symptoms in recovery. An excessive amount of the drug can dangerously slow your breathing, causing an overdose.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘C’:

Cannabis- This drug is produced from the dried flowering heads of the cannabis sativa plant. It is commonly smoked in illegally produced hand cigarettes known as “joints”, but also sometimes consumed with food. Known on the street as grass, hash, bud, dope, and pot, this addictive substance can lead to severe damage to the brain and body.
Clonazepam- Used to treat epilepsy and agoraphobia (a panic disorder), Clonazepam calms the brain and nervous system. When misused, Clonazepam can dangerously slow the user’s breathing, causing death. People using Clonazepam also report experiencing suicidal ideation.
Cocaine- Derived from coca leaves, cocaine is a stimulant drug with great potential for abuse and addiction. Its appearance is white and powdery or rock-like, and it is either snorted as a powder or dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream. Long-term use of inhaled cocaine has led to a unique respiratory syndrome, and chronic snorting of cocaine has led to the erosion of the upper nasal cavity, among other adverse effects.
Codeine- This is an opioid painkiller prescribed to treat people post-surgery or in pain from an injury. It is safe when used as advised, but can become addictive and dangerous when misused. Particularly, codeine can cause respiratory issues and other long-term effects when abused.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘D’:

Depressants- This class of drugs calm the Central Nervous System (CNS), and are prescribed to treat muscle spasms, seizures, insomnia, and anxiety. They are abused because users enjoy the pleasurable short-term effects, including relaxation and euphoria. Depressant drugs include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, Klonopin, and Restoril.
DMT- Shortened from N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, DMT is a hallucinogenic drug derived from a plant. This means that consuming the drug causes the user to experience psychedelic episodes, altering their sense of time, senses, and emotions. DMT is strong and fast-acting, but not long-lasting. When injected, it can cause severe cardiac issues, leading to death.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘E’:

Ecstasy- Otherwise known as MDMA or Molly, Ecstasy is a stimulant and a psychedelic drug, which means that it causes both euphoria and hallucinations. Ecstasy is produced as a tablet that is crushed and eaten, snorted, or smoked. When misused, it can cause unpleasant and dangerous effects such as anxiety, confusion, paranoia, nausea, muscle cramps, sweating, and vision issues.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘F’:

Fentanyl- A potent synthetic opioid drug, fentanyl is prescribed for pain relief and as an anesthetic. Fentanyl is known to be deadly in the smallest amounts- a mere two milligrams of the drug can be lethal. It is referred to as China Girl, Goodfellas, Jackpot, and King Ivory on the street, and can cause nausea, urinary retention, respiratory depression, pupillary constriction, and even death.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘G’:

GHB- Short for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, this drug is otherwise known as sodium oxybate. It is prescribed to treat narcolepsy but is enjoyed illicitly by people who wish to experience the calm, euphoric effects, or its muscle-building and weight-loss properties. Called Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay, and Scoop on the street, it is addictive and can cause seizures, unconsciousness, dysregulated heart rate, and other issues.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘H’:

Hallucinogens- Otherwise known as psychedelic drugs, trips, magic mushrooms, LSD or acid, hallucinogens are a class of mind-altering, psychosis-inducing drugs. Some hallucinogens are naturally derived from plants, whereas others are produced synthetically. When misused, they can cause hallucinations, paranoia, poor coordination, increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
Heroin- A fast-acting opioid, heroin is highly addictive and is known as Big H, Hell Dust, Black Tar, and Thunder on the street. Adverse side effects of continuous misuse include drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea, constricted pupils, and in extreme cases, coma and death.
Hydrocodone- A generic drug sold under the brand names Vicodin, Lorcet, and Lortab, these medications are usually stolen from pharmacies or brought from people who have had it prescribed. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic, and when abused, can cause the user to experience constipation, nausea, and life-threatening breathing issues.
Hydromorphone- An opioid prescribed for pain relief, hydromorphone is two to eight times more potent than morphine and causes the user to feel euphoric, relaxed, and less anxious. Misuse can cause changes in blood pressure, heartbeat, and appetite, as well as nausea, vomiting, and poor coordination.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘I’:

Inhalants- Inhalants are invisible, volatile substances found in common household products which produce chemical vapors that are inhaled to induce psychoactive or mind altering effects. Examples are glue, felt tip markers, paint, and air freshener. Inhalants are usually inhaled through the nose or mouth and can be dangerous because they need to be inhaled regularly to maintain the pleasurable effects.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘K’:

Ketamine- A dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, ketamine causes the user to feel detached from their bodies. It is known as Purple, Special K, Super K, Vitamin K, and Super Acid on the street, and although it produces pleasurable effects like sedation and pain relief, it can also cause nausea, stiff muscles, involuntary eye movement, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Khat- Known as African Salad, Chat, Kat, and Oat on the street, Khat is derived from an evergreen shrub and exhibits stimulant-like properties. Misusing khat can cause paranoia, hallucinations, increased blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, and gastric issues. Its leaves can be chewed, incorporated into beverages and food, or smoked.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘L’:

Librium- A prescription benzodiazepine containing chlordiazepoxide, Librium is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and pre-surgery anxiety. It is typically known as Downers or Benzos on the street, and can lead to headaches, nausea, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness when abused.
Lorazepam- Another benzodiazepine, Lorazepam is prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. It is also sold under the brand name Ativan and works by increasing the GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. It causes sedation and dizziness when misused, and an overdose can cause slowed or stopped breathing, which can lead to coma.
LSD- Abbreviated for lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD is typically liquidized, absorbed into paper, and slowly released by placing it on the tongue. It is an illicitly produced hallucinogen known as Acid, Dots, Window Pane, and Mellow Yellow on the street. Chronic abuse can cause sweating, loss of appetite, increased body temperature, tremors, hallucinations, and psychosis.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘M’:

Marijuana- Commonly referred to as weed or cannabis, marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant and has psychoactive properties due to its active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is often used to fill cigarettes or vaporizing devices, or is added to food, oils, and lotions. Misuse can damage the lungs, cause cardiovascular issues and/or gastrointestinal issues, and increase the risk of cancer.
Methadone- A synthetic narcotic known as Fizzies, Maria, Amidone, and Wafer on the street, methadone can be obtained as a tablet, oral solution, or injectable liquid. Users may experience itchy skin, sleepiness, and sweating, and withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Methamphetamine- A highly addictive bitter-tasting crystalline powder that is dissolved in liquid, methamphetamine is a stimulant prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and in weight-loss treatments. It is called Speed, Ice, Meth, and Crystal on the street, and can cause irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature when misused.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘N’:

Nitazenes- A strong, synthetic opioid, nitazenes are sold as a white powder, crystalline solid, or brown/yellow powder. It causes euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, but adverse effects include itchiness, fever, sweating, slowed breathing, and decreased heart rate.
Nitrous oxide- Also known as ‘laughing gas,’ nitrous oxide is used for sedation and pain relief clinically. It is an inhalant classed as a depressant, and the fumes are quickly integrated into the bloodstream when inhaled to calm the body. Abuse can lead to respiratory depression, nausea, and vomiting, and it is sold illicitly in small canisters.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘O’:

Opioids- Also referred to as narcotic analgesics, opioids are a class of drugs mainly used in medicines to relieve mild to moderate pain. They are often prescribed for pain relief, but have also been widely misused to provide the user with feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and happiness. Common opioids include morphine, tramadol, methadone, fentanyl, codeine, and hydrocodone.
Oxycodone- A pain relief medication classed as an opioid, oxycodone is highly addictive and often abused. It is semi-synthetic and known as Kicker, Roxy, Oxy, and OC on the street. Oxycodone causes respiratory depression, papillary constriction, constipation, and , in extreme cases, severe liver damage.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘P’:

PCP- Short for phencyclidine, PCP is a dissociative anesthetic drug known as Goon Dust, Peter Pan, and Trank on the street. It is no longer used as an anesthetic, but people who abuse PCP experience erratic behavior, decreased motor coordination, slurred speech, and, after prolonged misuse, can experience depression and memory loss. High doses cause seizures and coma, which could be lethal.
Psilocybin- Otherwise known as Mushrooms, Magic Mushrooms, and Shrooms, Psilocybin is derived from certain types of dried or fresh mushrooms. It is a psychedelic drug, which means that it causes users to experience hallucinations. Abuse can cause bad trips, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination, irregular heartbeat, sweating, headaches, and psychotic episodes.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘R’:

Rohypnol- Another name for the benzodiazepine drug flunitrazepam, this drug is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is known as Circles, Mexican Valium, Ruffies, Wolfies, and Rophies, and causes sedation, drowsiness, relaxation, and amnesia. Conversely, this drug causes decreased motor coordination, headache, weakness, respiratory depression, and slurred speech.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘S’:

Steroids- Although some steroids occur naturally in vitamins, anabolic steroids are produced synthetically to mimic the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. Although available via prescription for delayed puberty and erectile dysfunction, steroids are taken illegally by bodybuilders and athletes to develop their masculine body parts. Abusing steroids can lead to a variety of heart issues, reduced fertility, tendon ruptures, mania, depression, and hepatitis.
Stimulants- Stimulants are a class of drugs that speed up the Central Nervous System (CNS) to produce feelings of exhilaration, alertness, euphoria, and enhanced self-esteem. Produced illicitly, stimulant types include Adderall, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Bontril. When chronically misused, they can cause dizziness, headache, chest pain, sweating, vomiting, paranoia, aggression, and suicidal tendencies.
Suboxone- Containing a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, suboxone is used to treat narcotic addiction. Its pain-relieving, euphoric-inducing properties can cause addiction, and misuse can lead to unpleasant effects like constipation, muscle pain, confusion, nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Salvia - A psychedelic drug, salvia (or salvia divinorum) is also known as Diviner's Sage, Ska María Pastora, and Seer's Sage on the street. It causes hallucinations, amnesia, confusion, delusion, increased body temperature, sensation of detachment from the body, and time distortion when abused.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘T’:

Tramadol- A prescription medication for mild to severe pain, this opiate drug is misused for its sedative, relaxing effects. It is sold in tablet form and is either taken orally or crushed and snorted. The adverse side effects of tramadol include tremors, restlessness, sweating, diarrhea, anxiety, and abdominal cramps.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘V’:

Valium- The brand name for diazepam, Valium is prescribed to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol addiction withdrawal. It is misused to produce euphoria, relieve tension, and assist with sleeping. Unpleasant side effects include sedation, depression, amnesia, dizziness, and confusion.

Illegal Drugs Starting With ‘X’:

Xanax- A benzodiazepine, Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and insomnia. People who abuse Xanax feel relaxed and calm, but chronic misuse can lead to loss of coordination, confusion, trembling, memory issues, difficulty focusing, and dangerously slowed breathing.

Conclusion: List of Drugs A-Z

We hope you found our A-Z list of drugs helpful. It’s important to do your research before using any prescribed or illicit drugs so you know the possible physical, psychological, mental, and emotional effects.

Many prescribed drugs can cause great damage if the user has a pre-existing medical condition, if used more frequently than prescribed, or if used in combination with other substances. Additionally, using illicit drugs can lead to catastrophic- even lethal- effects, since unregulated substances are unpredictable on the brain and body.

If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol or drugs, know that you don’t have to remain addicted forever. You can find the tools, skills, and support system you need to recover and live the life of your dreams. As usual, Avenues Recovery Center is here to help you begin your journey so you can be happy, joyous, and free of addiction. We use a highly personalized approach to give every client a recovery journey tailored to their needs. Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community and to begin treatment in a professional and supportive environment.

List of Drugs A-Z