Slang for Cocaine: A List of Street Names

Cocaine goes by many street names, including "blow," "coke," "snow," and "rock." Other slang terms like "nose candy," "toot," and "gravel" can refer to different forms of the drug or mixtures with substances like PCP or marijuana. These names aren’t random; they change to keep drug use under the radar.

Not all street names are widely known, as secrecy is part of their purpose. Dealers and users constantly create new ones to avoid attention, but some names have stuck around for years. If you’re trying to recognize signs of cocaine use, knowing these terms can help.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. While it has some medical applications as a local anesthetic, it's mainly known as an illegal drug with a high potential for addiction. In the LGBTQ community, cocaine use can be prevalent, often tied to social or party settings where its stimulating effects are sought to enhance mood and energy.

Cocaine can be used in various ways. Snorting is common, as the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through nasal tissues. Some individuals rub it on their gums for slower absorption, while others inject it, which delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream for a faster, more intense high. Smoking crack cocaine, or inhaling its vapors, produces almost immediate effects, making it one of the most addictive methods of use.

Whether used occasionally or compulsively, cocaine carries serious risks. It places immense strain on the heart, raises blood pressure, and can cause strokes and seizures. In extreme cases, even a single use can result in sudden death. Despite its association with social gatherings and nightlife, cocaine is far from harmless.

Cocaine Street Names

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common street names for this addictive substance:

Slang for Powder Cocaine

When cocaine is in its white powder form, it often goes by:

• Big bloke
• Big C
• Big rush
• Flake
• Nose candy
• Speedball
• Toot
• Stardust

Slang for Crack Cocaine

The crystalline form of cocaine may be called:

• Rock
• Black Rock
• Gravel
• Nuggets
• Sleet

Street Names for Cocaine Based on Effects

Some street names for cocaine focus on the euphoric effects it produces, highlighting the temporary feelings of happiness and excitement that users often experience:

• Happy Dust
• Paradise
• Nose Candy
• Big Rush
• Love Affair
• Friskie Powder
• Glad Stuff

Slang names for Cocaine Based on Look or Origin

Other times, people refer to cocaine based on its appearance or the plant it comes from, linking it to its South American origins or its distinctive white, crystalline look:

• Paradise White
• Pearl
• Snowflake
• Snow Cone
• White Lady
• Coca
• Pressed Pills
• Leaf
• Big Flake
• Inca Message
• Peruvian Lady
• White Mosquito

Other Street Names for Cocaine Combinations

Sometimes cocaine is mixed with other drugs and goes by other names:

• Bazooka or Cocoa Puffs: Crack cocaine mixed with marijuana
• Candy Flipping: A mix of LSD, cocaine, and MDMA
• Belushi: A combination of cocaine and the opiate, heroin
• Woolies: Crack cocaine wrapped in a gutted cigar
• Spaceball, Whack, or Scottie: Cocaine mixed with phenyl cyclohexyl piperidine (PCP)

Knowing these street names is important if you're concerned about someone’s cocaine use. You can promptly find a safe space to support their recovery.

Coke vs. Crack

Cocaine is abused in two main forms: powder cocaine (often called “coke”) and crack cocaine (“crack”). They’re made from the same drug, but the way they’re processed, used, and experienced is pretty different.

How They are Made

Coke is the powdered form of cocaine hydrochloride, usually snorted or dissolved in water for injection. Whereas crack is made by cooking cocaine with baking soda and water until it hardens into "rocks." These rocks are then crushed into smaller pieces and smoked.

How They are Used

Coke is mostly snorted, though some people rub it on their gums or inject it for a stronger, faster high. Crack is smoked, which makes the effects hit almost instantly. The high from smoking crack or injecting coke comes on fast but fades quickly, leading to repeated use in short bursts. Snorting coke takes longer to kick in but lasts up to an hour.

Effects and Risks

Both are highly addictive, but crack tends to be even more so because of how quickly it hits. Since crack is often cut with other substances, it can come with added risks. No matter the form, long-term use can lead to addiction, heart problems, and other serious health issues.

How to Spot Cocaine Use

You may notice some signs if someone you know is using cocaine. Your first clue into their addiction might be changes in their behavior. The person could become more irritable, hyperactive, or talkative than usual. Their sleep patterns might change and they may stay up late or not sleep at all for several nights. They might also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or pull away from family and friends. 

Cocaine can also cause noticeable physical signs like a runny nose, frequent nosebleeds, or sudden weight loss. You may also find items like small baggies with white powder, rolled-up bills, or makeshift pipes lying around. Catching these signs can help you offer the support they need.

Find Support at Pride Detox

If you’re looking up cocaine street names, chances are you or someone you love is an LGBTQ person struggling with addiction. The road to recovery can feel long and tortuous, but It does not have to be faced alone. At Pride Detox, our team of experienced professionals focuses on creating an environment where individual needs come first, helping them build lasting sobriety on their terms.

Don’t wait for things to get worse. Call us now at 1-562-525-5501 and take a step toward a fulfilling, sober life.