What Is an 8 Ball? Drug Slang & Street Names Guide

Learn what an 8 ball is, drug street names, identification tips, and warning signs. A comprehensive resource for Charlotte NC families seeking answers about substance abuse.

What is an 8 ball? If you’ve heard this term and want to understand drug slang, you’re not alone. Thousands of Charlotte, NC families search for answers about drug terminology each month. This comprehensive guide covers everything from 8 balls of cocaine to meth pipes, quaaludes, drug testing facts, and street names—helping you recognize warning signs and find addiction treatment in Charlotte, NC when needed.

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What Is an 8 Ball? Cocaine Street Names & Measurements

If you’re asking “what is an 8 ball,” you’ve come to the right place. An 8 ball is one of the most common drug slang terms in Charlotte, NC and across the country. Understanding this terminology—along with other cocaine street names—can help you identify warning signs of substance abuse in loved ones.

What Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine? (Answered)

An 8 ball of cocaine is exactly 3.5 grams—or 1/8 of an ounce. The term “8 ball” (also written as “eight ball,” “8-ball,” or “8ball”) comes from the fraction: 1/8 ounce. This measurement is standard in street drug transactions across Charlotte, Matthews, Huntersville, and surrounding North Carolina areas.

What is an 8 ball weight? 3.5 grams (1/8 ounce) 8 ball price Charlotte NC: $150–$350 depending on purity How many grams in an 8 ball? Exactly 3.5 grams 8 ball of crack: Same weight applies to crack cocaine Why “8 ball”? Named after the black 8 ball in pool (1/8 measurement)

Common Street Names for Cocaine

Beyond “8 ball,” cocaine slang and nicknames for cocaine include:

What Does Cocaine Feel Like?

Users report intense euphoria, energy, and confidence—followed by a crash that drives repeated use. This cycle quickly leads to addiction. If someone you love in Charlotte, NC is using cocaine or asking about “8 balls,” professional treatment at Nova Transformations can help.

Methamphetamine: Identification & Warning Signs
What Does Crystal Meth Look Like?

Understanding what does meth look like can help identify the substance:

A meth pipe (also called a “pookie pipe” or “crystal meth pipe“) is a glass tube with a rounded bulb at one end. Warning signs include burnt residue inside the bowl, white crystalline residue, and scorch marks on the glass.

What Is Tweaking?

“What does tweaking mean?” Tweaking refers to the erratic behavior during meth binges, especially after days without sleep. A “tweaker” may exhibit extreme paranoia, repetitive movements, picking at skin, and rapid speech.

Meth vs. Crack: What’s the Difference?

People often ask “crack vs meth” or “is crack and meth the same?” They are completely different substances:

What is crank? Crank is street slang for methamphetamine, particularly lower-quality forms.

Amphetamines & Prescription Stimulants
Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

The question “amphetamines vs methamphetamines” comes up frequently. The difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine is the added methyl group in meth, making it more potent and addictive.

Adderall Identification

What does Adderall look like? Knowing Adderall pill colors helps identify misuse:

Can you snort Adderall? Unfortunately, snorting Adderall is a common form of abuse that increases addiction risk and can cause serious nasal damage. Learn about treatment options at Nova Transformations.

Dexedrine vs Adderall

Both contain amphetamines. Dextroamphetamine vs Adderall: Dexedrine is pure dextroamphetamine, while Adderall contains mixed amphetamine salts. Both carry addiction risk.

Vyvanse and Adderall

Vyvanse and Adderall are both used to treat ADHD, but mixing them is dangerous. Adderall and weed combinations also carry unpredictable cardiovascular risks.

Psilocybin Mushrooms & Drug Testing
Do Shrooms Show Up on a Drug Test?

A common question is “do magic mushrooms show up on a drug test?” regarding psilocybin:

Standard Drug Tests: Psilocybin mushrooms do NOT appear on standard 5-panel, 10-panel, or 12-panel drug tests. Specialized Testing: Specific tests CAN detect psilocybin if requested. Does the military test for mushrooms? Standard military drug tests do not screen for psilocybin.

How long do shrooms stay in your system? Psilocybin is typically undetectable in urine after 24 hours.

MDMA, Molly & Ecstasy
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?

Detection windows for molly drug test or MDMA drug test:

How long does ecstasy stay in your system? Similar to MDMA—2-4 days in urine. The MDMA half-life is approximately 8-9 hours.

Benzodiazepines & Prescription Sedatives
Ativan vs Valium

Both are benzodiazepines used for anxiety. Valium vs Ativan detection differences:

“Is hydroxyzine addictive?” Unlike Xanax (a benzodiazepine), hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with lower addiction potential. However, any medication can be misused.

Ambien & Sleep Medications

Ambien and alcohol is a dangerous combination. Ambien withdrawal symptoms can include rebound insomnia and anxiety. How long does Ambien stay in your system? Approximately 8-12 hours.

Quaaludes & Barbiturates
What Are Quaaludes?

Quaaludes (methaqualone) were popular sedatives in the 1970s known for producing euphoria and relaxation. Brand names included Lemmon 714.

Are quaaludes still made? No—quaaludes are no longer legally manufactured in the United States. The drug was banned in 1984 due to widespread abuse.

Quaalude effects included relaxation, euphoria, and sedation. Today, any “quaaludes” sold are typically dangerous counterfeits.

Barbiturates Examples

The barbiturates list includes several prescription sedatives:

Are muscle relaxers addictive? While not barbiturates, muscle relaxers can be habit-forming and are sometimes abused.

Opioids & Detection Times
Prescription Opioid Detection How long does codeine stay in your system? 1-3 days in urine
How long does Percocet stay in your system? 2-4 days in urine Tramadol vs Percocet

Is tramadol stronger than oxycodone? No—oxycodone (in Percocet) is significantly stronger. Both require professional treatment when dependence develops. Contact Nova Transformations for opioid addiction help.

Heroin

How long does a heroin high last? Typically 3-5 hours. What does heroin feel like? Users describe intense euphoria followed by sedation—and devastating withdrawal.

MAT Options

Sublocade vs Suboxone: Both are used in medication-assisted treatment. Suboxone is taken daily while Sublocade is a monthly injection.

Other Drug Terms & Identification
What Is Angel Dust?

Angel dust is street slang for PCP (phencyclidine). PCP street names include:

What is sherm? Sherm refers to cigarettes or marijuana dipped in PCP or embalming fluid.

LSD & Psychedelics

Does acid show up on a drug test? Like mushrooms, LSD is not detected on standard drug tests. Acid vs shrooms: LSD lasts 8-12 hours while shrooms last 4-6 hours.

What Are Track Marks?

Track marks are visible injection sites, typically on the arms, indicating IV drug use. What do track marks look like? Bruising, scarring, and darkened veins. Skin popping refers to injecting drugs under the skin rather than into veins.

Lexapro Withdrawal

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can include dizziness, irritability, and “brain zaps.” How long does Lexapro withdrawal last? Typically 1-3 weeks.

Dangerous Drug Combinations Meloxicam and alcohol: Increases bleeding risk
Ambien and alcohol: Can cause fatal respiratory depression
Melatonin and alcohol: Enhances sedation
Lithium and alcohol: Dangerous interaction
Adderall and Xanax: Opposing effects strain the heart
Adderall and weed: Unpredictable cardiovascular effects Gabapentin

Can you snort gabapentin? While some attempt to snort gabapentin, it’s dangerous and largely ineffective. Gabapentin overdose symptoms include drowsiness, weakness, and respiratory depression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Slang
Addiction Treatment in Charlotte, NC

If you recognize these drug slang terms or warning signs in yourself or a loved one, Nova Transformations in Matthews, NC offers compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment for the greater Charlotte area.

Insurance Accepted • Confidential Assessment • Same-Day Admissions Available

Drug Addiction Help in Charlotte, North Carolina

Drug abuse affects thousands of families across the Charlotte metro area each year. Whether you’re in Uptown Charlotte, South End, Matthews, Ballantyne, or surrounding communities like Huntersville, Cornelius, or Concord—help is closer than you think.

Nova Transformations is a premier addiction treatment center located in Matthews, NC, just minutes from Charlotte. We specialize in treating addiction to cocaine (including those buying “8 balls”), methamphetamine, prescription drugs like Adderall and Xanax, opioids, and alcohol.

Why Choose Nova Transformations? Luxury facility with comfortable, home-like environment
Evidence-based treatment including CBT, DBT, and trauma therapy
Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol addiction
Experienced, compassionate staff many in recovery themselves
Insurance accepted from most major providers
Flexible programs: PHP and IOP options available

Don’t let addiction terminology confuse you—let us help you understand what your loved one is going through and guide them toward recovery. Contact Nova Transformations today or call (704) 420-7686 for a confidential assessment.