Top 44 Slang For Shooting Up – Meaning & Usage

Shooting up, a term commonly used to refer to the act of injecting drugs, has its own unique slang and terminology within certain communities. It’s important to stay informed and aware of these terms, whether to better understand a loved one struggling with addiction or to simply be well-versed in the language of the streets. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top slang words and phrases associated with shooting up. Get ready to delve into this eye-opening listicle that sheds light on a world that is often hidden in plain sight.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Shoot up

This term refers to the act of injecting drugs directly into the bloodstream using a needle and syringe. It is commonly used to describe the method of administering illicit substances such as heroin or methamphetamine.

For example, “He was caught shooting up in a public restroom.”
A recovering addict might share their experience by saying, “I used to shoot up every day, but now I’m clean.”
In a discussion about drug addiction, someone might ask, “Why do people choose to shoot up instead of other methods of drug use?”

2. Slam

To “slam” is a slang term used to describe the act of injecting drugs with force or intensity. It typically refers to injecting drugs intravenously, often associated with the use of stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine.

For instance, “He likes to slam meth to get an instant high.”
A user might share their experience by saying, “I used to slam heroin, but I’ve switched to a safer method.”
In a support group, someone might say, “I’m struggling with the urge to slam again.”

3. Mainline

Mainlining refers to the act of injecting drugs directly into a vein, bypassing other routes of administration. It is often associated with the use of intravenous drugs like heroin or cocaine.

For example, “He was caught mainlining in a public park.”
A recovering addict might share their journey by saying, “I used to mainline drugs, but now I’m on a path to recovery.”
In a conversation about the dangers of drug use, someone might mention, “Mainlining increases the risk of overdose and the transmission of blood-borne diseases.”

4. Fix

In the context of drug use, “fix” is a term used to describe the act of preparing drugs for injection. It can also refer to the dose of drugs that is injected.

For instance, “He spends hours in his room fixing his drugs.”
A user might talk about their routine by saying, “I always fix my heroin in the morning.”
In a discussion about drug addiction, someone might ask, “How can we help individuals who are unable to fix without assistance?”

5. Hit

In the context of drug use, “hit” is a slang term used to describe the act of injecting drugs. It can also refer to the immediate effects of the drugs after injection.

For example, “He needed a hit to feel normal.”
A user might share their experience by saying, “I’ve been chasing that first hit for years.”
In a conversation about the dangers of drug use, someone might mention, “The first hit can lead to a lifelong addiction.”

6. Shoot

This slang term refers to the act of injecting drugs into the body using a needle and syringe. It is commonly used to describe the process of taking drugs intravenously.

For example, a drug addict might say, “I need to shoot up to get my fix.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Have you ever shot up before?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug addiction might mention, “Shooting up can lead to serious health problems and overdose.”

7. Bang

This slang term is often used to describe the act of injecting drugs. It implies a forceful and quick action, similar to the sound of a gunshot.

For instance, a drug user might say, “I’m going to bang some heroin.”
In a discussion about different methods of drug use, someone might mention, “Some people prefer to bang their drugs for a more intense high.”
A person warning about the risks of drug addiction might say, “Once you start banging drugs, it’s hard to stop.”

8. Jab

This slang term refers to the act of injecting drugs into the body, usually with a needle and syringe. It implies a quick and forceful action, similar to a jab in boxing.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to jab myself to get high.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Do you know how to jab drugs safely?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug addiction might mention, “Jabbing drugs can lead to infections and other health complications.”

9. Pop

This slang term is often used to describe the act of injecting drugs into the body. It implies a quick and discreet action, similar to popping something into the body.

For instance, a drug addict might say, “I’m going to pop some pills.”
In a discussion about different methods of drug use, someone might mention, “Some people prefer to pop their drugs for a faster onset of effects.”
A person warning about the risks of drug addiction might say, “Popping drugs can lead to addiction and overdose.”

10. Stick

This slang term refers to the act of inserting drugs into the body, usually through injection. It implies a sharp and piercing action, similar to sticking a needle into the skin.

For example, a drug user might say, “I’m going to stick myself with some heroin.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Do you know how to stick drugs safely?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug addiction might mention, “Sticking drugs can cause damage to veins and increase the risk of infections.”

11. Spike

A syringe or needle used to inject drugs directly into the bloodstream. “Spike” is a common slang term for a syringe among drug users.

For example, a person discussing drug addiction might say, “He’s always looking for his next spike.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Where can I get a clean spike?”
A recovering addict might share their experience, saying, “I used to carry a spike with me everywhere I went.”

12. Pin

A thin, pointed metal object used to inject drugs into the body. “Pin” is a slang term commonly used to refer to a needle among drug users.

For instance, a person discussing drug paraphernalia might say, “He had a pin hidden in his pocket.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Do you have a clean pin I can use?”
A person sharing their past experiences might say, “I used to use a pin to inject drugs into my veins.”

13. Needle

A thin, hollow tube used to inject drugs directly into the bloodstream. “Needle” is a commonly used slang term for a syringe among drug users.

For example, a person discussing drug addiction might say, “I need my next fix and a needle to go with it.”
In a conversation about drug use, someone might ask, “Where can I find a clean needle?”
A recovering addict might share their story, saying, “I’ve been clean for months, but I still remember the feeling of the needle going into my vein.”

14. Point

A needle used to inject drugs into the body. “Point” is a slang term often used to refer to a needle among drug users.

For instance, a person discussing drug use might say, “I need to find a clean point.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “Do you have a spare point?”
A person sharing their struggles might say, “I’ve hit rock bottom, but I can’t put down the point.”

15. Poke

To inject drugs into the body using a needle. “Poke” is a slang term commonly used to describe the act of injecting drugs.

For example, a person discussing drug use might say, “I need to find a safe place to poke.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “How often do you poke?”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I’ve been clean for years, but I still remember the rush of the poke.”

16. Prick

In the context of shooting up, “prick” is a slang term used to refer to a needle, typically used for injecting drugs. It can also be used to describe the act of injecting drugs.

For example, someone might say, “I need to find a prick to shoot up with.”
In a discussion about drug use, a person might mention, “Using a clean prick is essential to prevent infections.”
A recovering addict might share their experience, “I used to use a prick to shoot up, but now I’m clean.”

17. Slam dunk

In the context of shooting up, “slam dunk” is a slang term used to describe a successful injection of drugs. It implies that the injection was done smoothly and without any issues.

For instance, someone might say, “I just had a slam dunk with that shot.”
In a conversation about drug use, a person might mention, “Getting a slam dunk can provide an intense rush.”
A recovering addict might share their struggle, “I used to chase that feeling of a slam dunk, but it only led to more problems.”

18. Boot

In the context of shooting up, “boot” is a slang term used to refer to a vein, specifically the ones used for injecting drugs. It is often used when discussing the process of finding a suitable vein for injection.

For example, someone might say, “I can’t find a good boot to shoot up.”
In a conversation about drug use, a person might mention, “Using a tourniquet can help make the boot more visible.”
A recovering addict might share their experience, “I have permanent scars on my boots from years of drug use.”

19. Shoot the moon

In the context of shooting up, “shoot the moon” is a slang term used to describe the act of taking a large dose of drugs. It implies a willingness to take risks and go to extremes.

For instance, someone might say, “I decided to shoot the moon and take a massive hit.”
In a discussion about drug use, a person might mention, “Shooting the moon can lead to dangerous overdose situations.”
A recovering addict might share their struggle, “I used to constantly shoot the moon, but it only brought me closer to death.”

20. Get high

In the context of shooting up, “get high” is a slang term used to describe the act of achieving a drug-induced euphoric state. It refers to the pleasurable effects experienced after injecting drugs.

For example, someone might say, “I can’t wait to get high tonight.”
In a conversation about drug use, a person might mention, “Getting high is a temporary escape from reality.”
A recovering addict might share their experience, “I used to chase after that feeling of getting high, but it only led to more pain.”

21. Get a fix

This phrase is often used to refer to the act of injecting drugs, specifically substances like heroin or cocaine. It implies the need to satisfy a craving or addiction.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to get a fix to feel better.”
In a conversation about substance abuse, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten a fix before?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug use might say, “Getting a fix can lead to severe health consequences.”

22. Get loaded

This phrase is commonly used to describe the act of getting high or intoxicated, often through the use of drugs. It implies achieving a state of euphoria or altered consciousness.

For instance, a person might say, “I’m going to get loaded tonight and forget all my problems.”
In a discussion about recreational drug use, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten loaded before?”
A person warning about the risks of substance abuse might say, “Getting loaded can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.”

23. Get juiced

Similar to “get a fix,” this phrase also refers to injecting drugs into the body. It implies the act of obtaining a substance to satisfy a craving or addiction.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to get juiced to feel better.”
In a conversation about substance abuse, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten juiced before?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug use might say, “Getting juiced can lead to severe health consequences.”

24. Get pumped

This phrase is often used to describe the act of injecting drugs into the body. It implies the act of preparing or getting ready to inject a substance.

For instance, a person might say, “I’m going to get pumped before the party.”
In a discussion about substance abuse, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten pumped before?”
A person warning about the risks of drug use might say, “Getting pumped can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.”

25. Get a shot

This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of injecting drugs into the body. It implies the act of taking a dose or administering a substance through a needle.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to get a shot to feel better.”
In a conversation about substance abuse, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten a shot before?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug use might say, “Getting a shot can lead to severe health consequences.”

26. Hit up

This phrase is commonly used to mean contacting someone in order to buy drugs, specifically for injection. It implies seeking out a drug dealer or supplier.

For example, “I need to hit up my guy for some heroin.”
A person discussing drug addiction might say, “I used to hit up my dealer every day to get my fix.”
Another might warn, “Be careful who you hit up for drugs, you never know what you’re getting.”

27. Shoot the breeze

This phrase is used to mean engaging in casual conversation or small talk. It implies a relaxed and informal exchange of words.

For instance, “We sat on the porch and shot the breeze for hours.”
Two friends catching up might say, “Let’s grab a beer and shoot the breeze.”
Someone might say, “I love shooting the breeze with my coworkers during lunch breaks.”

28. Shoot some dope

This phrase is a slang term for injecting drugs, specifically referring to the act of injecting a substance into the bloodstream.

For example, “He went to the bathroom to shoot some dope.”
A person discussing drug addiction might say, “I used to shoot dope every day to get high.”
Another might warn, “Shooting dope is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health issues.”

29. Shoot the dragon

This phrase is a slang term specifically used to refer to injecting heroin. It implies the act of injecting the drug into the bloodstream.

For instance, “He locked himself in the bathroom to shoot the dragon.”
A person discussing heroin addiction might say, “I used to shoot the dragon every day to escape reality.”
Another might caution, “Shooting the dragon is extremely addictive and can ruin your life.”

30. Hit the vein

This phrase is used to mean successfully injecting drugs into a vein. It implies finding a suitable vein and injecting the substance directly into it.

For example, “He finally hit the vein after multiple attempts.”
A person discussing drug use might say, “I can hit the vein on the first try.”
Another might warn, “Missing the vein while shooting up can have serious consequences.”

31. Get a hit

This phrase refers to the act of injecting drugs, typically intravenously. It is slang for administering a dose of drugs directly into the bloodstream.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to get a hit to feel better.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “How often do you get a hit?”
A person trying to quit drugs might say, “I’m determined to never get a hit again.”

32. Shoot the works

This phrase means to inject a full dose of drugs. It implies going all in and not holding back.

For instance, a drug user might say, “I’m going to shoot the works tonight.”
In a discussion about drug use, someone might ask, “Have you ever shot the works?”
A person warning about the dangers of drugs might say, “Don’t ever shoot the works, it’s extremely risky.”

33. Shoot the gun

This phrase is another way of saying “shoot up” or “inject drugs.” It is a slang term commonly used to describe the act of administering drugs intravenously.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to shoot the gun to get high.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “How often do you shoot the gun?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug use might say, “Shooting the gun can lead to serious health complications.”

34. Shoot the juice

This phrase is slang for injecting drugs, specifically referring to injecting a liquid substance. It is commonly used to describe the act of administering drugs intravenously.

For instance, a drug user might say, “I’m going to shoot the juice to numb the pain.”
In a discussion about drug addiction, someone might ask, “Have you ever shot the juice?”
A person warning about the risks of drug use might say, “Shooting the juice can have serious consequences for your health.”

35. Shoot the speedball

This phrase refers to the act of injecting a mixture of heroin and cocaine, known as a speedball. It is a highly dangerous and potentially fatal combination of drugs.

For example, a drug user might say, “I’m going to shoot the speedball for an intense high.”
In a conversation about drug abuse, someone might ask, “Have you ever shot the speedball?”
A person discussing the risks of drug use might say, “Shooting the speedball can have deadly consequences.”

36. Boot up

This term refers to the act of injecting drugs into one’s body, typically through a needle. “Boot up” is slang for preparing and administering the drug.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to find a clean needle so I can boot up.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “Have you ever boot up before?”
A person discussing the dangers of drug use might warn, “Boot up can lead to serious health complications and addiction.”

37. Blast off

This phrase is used to describe the intense feeling or rush that comes from injecting drugs. It refers to the immediate effect of the drugs taking effect.

For instance, a drug user might say, “I love the blast off I get from shooting up.”
In a discussion about the effects of different drugs, someone might mention, “Heroin users often describe a powerful blast off when injecting the drug.”
A person talking about the dangers of drug abuse might say, “The blast off can be addicting and lead to a dangerous cycle of drug use.”

38. Drop

This term is another way to describe the act of injecting drugs into one’s body. “Drop” is slang for administering the drug through a needle.

For example, a drug user might say, “I’m going to drop in my usual spot.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “How often do you drop?”
A person discussing the risks of drug use might warn, “Dropping can lead to infections and other health problems.”

39. Go for a ride

This phrase is slang for injecting drugs into one’s body. It implies the experience of being taken on a journey or experiencing a high from the drugs.

For instance, a drug user might say, “I’m going for a ride tonight.”
In a discussion about drug addiction, someone might mention, “Going for a ride can provide a temporary escape from reality.”
A person talking about the dangers of drug abuse might say, “Going for a ride can lead to dependency and overdose.”

40. Get a spike

This term refers to obtaining a needle or syringe for the purpose of injecting drugs. “Spike” is slang for a needle used to administer drugs.

For example, a drug user might say, “I need to get a spike before I can shoot up.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, someone might ask, “Where can I find a clean spike?”
A person discussing the risks of drug use might warn, “Using a dirty spike can lead to infections and diseases.”

41. Get a jab

This phrase is slang for injecting drugs, typically referring to the act of using a syringe to administer the substance directly into the bloodstream.

For example, someone might say, “I need to get a jab before the party.”
In a discussion about drug use, a user might mention, “I’ve never gotten a jab, but I’ve heard it can be intense.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “Getting a jab was a quick and effective way to feel the effects of the drug.”

42. Get a pop

This phrase is slang for injecting drugs, specifically referring to the act of using a syringe to administer the substance into the body.

For instance, someone might say, “I need to get a pop before I start feeling withdrawal.”
In a conversation about drug addiction, a user might admit, “I used to get a pop multiple times a day.”
A person sharing their struggle might say, “Getting a pop became a daily routine for me, and it was hard to break that cycle.”

43. Get a stick

This phrase is slang for injecting drugs, often referring to the act of using a syringe to administer the substance directly into the bloodstream.

For example, someone might say, “I’m going to get a stick after work to unwind.”
In a discussion about drug use, a user might mention, “Getting a stick was the quickest way to feel the effects of the drug.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I never thought I would resort to getting a stick, but addiction can lead you down unexpected paths.”

44. Get a slam dunk