In the ever-evolving landscape of substance use and misuse, staying informed is a critical step in protecting public health. The substances being used, the ways they are being combined, and even the names they are given can shift rapidly, posing unique challenges for healthcare providers, first responders, prevention organizations, and other public health officials and stakeholders. Without a clear understanding of these trends, opportunities to intervene early and effectively can be missed.

The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) is at the forefront of addressing this challenge. DAWN, managed by SAMHSA’s CBHSQ (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality), monitors emergency department (ED) visits related to substance misuse through data from participating hospitals. DAWN tracks trends, emerging substances, and the affected populations, acting as an early warning system. It provides valuable insights for prevention, intervention and stakeholder responses.

One of DAWN’s unique features is its focus on drug street names. When DAWN uncovers a new name for a substance not found in the Drug Reference Vocabulary (DRV), which is a modified, comprehensive drug vocabulary and classification system for all substances collected by DAWN, it adds the new name to the appropriate category. These informal terms often serve as coded language, reflecting the creativity of users and distributors.

Understanding street names is not just about decoding slang, it is a critical element of public safety. When healthcare professionals and first responders can recognize these terms, they are better equipped to provide timely and appropriate care. This information supports the development of targeted educational and prevention efforts, while enabling communities to stay informed about potential dangers.

See the image below for newly added street drug names to stay informed. For more information about DAWN and all the information about their data visit SAMHSA.

References:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/dawn-drug-abuse-warning-network