Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

Akron-Canton region

Athens region

Cincinnati region

Cleveland region

Columbus region

Dayton region

Toledo region

Youngstown region

Legend

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Oce of Quality, Planning and Research

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends

in the State of Ohio

January - June 2016

OSAM

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network

Recommended citation for this report:

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services [OhioMHAS] (2016). Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring

Network: Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio: January -June 2016. Columbus, OH: State of Ohio.

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

January - June 2016

Prepared by:

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Oce of Quality, Planning and Research

Sanford Starr, Deputy Director — MSW, LISW-S

R. Thomas Sherba, OSAM Principal Investigator — PhD, MPH, LPCC

Beth E. Gersper, OSAM Coordinator — MPA

Table of Contents

Contact information:

R. Thomas Sherba

Oce of Quality, Planning and Research

30 E. Broad St., 8th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

P: 614.466.9020

F: 614.488.4789

OSAM-O-Gram ...........................................................................................................................................................3

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Drug Abuse Trends by Region

Akron-Canton Region ............................................................................................................................................ 23

Athens Region .......................................................................................................................................................... 45

Cincinnati Region .................................................................................................................................................... 63

Cleveland Region .................................................................................................................................................... 85

Columbus Region .................................................................................................................................................. 109

Dayton Region ........................................................................................................................................................ 131

Toledo Region ......................................................................................................................................................... 153

Youngstown Region .............................................................................................................................................173

Tracy J. Plouck, Director • John R. Kasich, Governor

OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

Toledo Region

•

likely decreased availability of Ecstasy

• DEA and BCI reported increase in number of bath salts cases; bath salts

chemically altered and re-branded

•

Despite decreased availability of Ecstasy, Ecstasy-like substances (2CE and

2CB) available

• DEA report everal mobile methamphetamine labs,

manufacture through “one-pot” and “shake-and-bake” methods

Cleveland Region

•

Increased availability of heroin; likely increased availability of Ecstasy,

high-grade marijuana and methamphetamine; likely decreased availability of

bath salts

•

In Cleveland, heroin is now commonly available through anonymous

•

Purest form of Ecstasy (aka “Molly”) becoming more available as knowledge

of drug grows

Dayton Region

•

Decreased availability of Ecstasy;

likely increased availability of heroin

and Suboxone®; likely decreased

availability of crack cocaine

•

heroin has reached “epidemic”

not used personally reported friends

and family who have

• Free “testers” of heroin remain

available in Dayton which makes it

for users to avoid the drug

• Increased availability of heroin and

Suboxone®; likely increased

availability of bath salts,

marijuana; likely decreased availability

of powdered cocaine

•

with those as young as 12 years

beginning use

• Current availability of

methamphetamine is high in rural

Columbus Region

• Increased availability of bath salts; likely increased availability of heroin,

•

easily obtained at the same stores that previously sold them before the law

banning them took e

ect

•

popularity

Athens Region

• Increased availability of heroin and Suboxone®; likely increased

availability of bath salts and methamphetamine; likely decreased

•

seeking treatment for heroin use

•

bath salts

• BCI reported an increase in bath salts cases; as soon as one substance is

banned, another chemical analogue takes its place

oungstown Region

•

opioids; likely increased availability of

heroin, methamphetamine and

Suboxone®; likely decreased availability

• Opana®, Roxicet®, Ultram® and

opioids now present in 77.8 percent of all

drug-related deaths according to the

coroner’

• Throughout the region, professionals

eported heroin to be the primary drug

problem

Akron-Canton Region

• Increased availability of

opioids and Suboxone®; l

ikely

increased availability of crack cocaine

and heroin

•

Methamphetamine thought to

have increased due to more people

with knowledge of “one-pot” or

“shake-and-bake” method of

manufacture

•

50 percent of all drug-related deaths

according to coroner’

• Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services • Division of Planning, Outcomes & Research •

• 30 W. Spring St., 6th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 • 1-800-788-7254 • www.ada.ohio.gov •

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network

John R. Kasich, Governor

Orman Hall, Director

June 2012 - January 2013

OSAM-O-Gram

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network:

Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network

OSAM

January - June 2016

OSAM-O-Gram

Cleveland Region

• Neurontin®, meth, “molly,” prescription stimulants & Suboxone®

availability h

• Dealers proling users, hand out contact info & free testers of heroin

• Most white powdered heroin thought to be straight fentanyl

• Increase in fentanyl as heroin cut

• More heroin addicts noted as using meth in addition to heroin

• Neurontin® widely sought for illicit use to combat opiate withdrawal

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services • Oce of Quality, Planning and Research

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

Toledo Region

• Ecstasy, heroin, “molly” & Suboxone® availability h

• Prescription opioid availability i

• White powdered heroin (“china white”) often cut with fentanyl

• Users report blue heroin (“blue magic,” “blue dolphin”) as

heroin-fentanyl mixture

• Users note sale of powdered fentanyl, call straight fentanyl

“ice cream”

• Crime lab reports increased number of fentanyl cases

• Heroin, marijuana & meth

availability h

• Bath salts, prescription opioid &

synthetic marijuana availability i

• Crime lab reports high pres-

ence of heroin-fentanyl mix-

tures & straight fentanyl

• Increase in overdoses; users

seek fentanyl

• Increase in heroin use among

African Americans

• High-grade marijuana, includ-

ing “dabs,” more available now

• Increased number of meth

users entering treatment

• Heroin users turning to meth

when heroin is unavailable

Dayton Region

• Crack cocaine, heroin, mari-

juana & meth availability h

• Bath salts & synthetic

marijuana availability i

• Dealers proling users, hand

out contact info & free

testers of heroin

• Crime labs report high

presence of heroin-fentanyl

mixtures & straight fentanyl

• Common for heroin users to

share injection needles

• Drug cartels pushing meth

with heroin

Cincinnati Region

Athens Region

• Meth, “molly,”

Neurontin® & powdered

cocaine availability h

• Prescription opioid

availability i

• Fentanyl top cutting agent for heroin

• Noted connection between “molly” & college students

• Neurontin® widely sought for illicit use to combat opiate

withdrawal

Youngstown Region

• Marijuana & meth availability h

• Prescription opioid & synthetic

marijuana availability i

• Users note presence of gray

heroin (“kitty litter”)

• Crime lab reports increased

number of fentanyl cases

• Noted increase in heroin use

among African-American males

& younger users

• Increase in production & use

of “dabs”

• Meth availability h

• Bath salts availability i

• Dealers oer heroin delivery

• Crime labs report high pres-

ence of heroin-fentanyl mix-

tures & straight fentanyl

• Columbus Police Crime Lab

notes heroin-meth mixtures

• Meth use less stigmatized now

• Illicit Neurontin® sought

to combat opiate withdrawal

Columbus Region

Akron-Canton Region

• LSD, marijuana & meth availability h

• Synthetic marijuana availability i

• Heroin heavily cut with fentanyl

• Marijuana almost exclusively

high grade

• Increase in production & use of

“dabs”

• Noted increase in imported

crystal meth

• Some heroin users switching to meth

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 4

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

Page 8

OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

Page 5

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 5

The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network consists of eight regional epidemiologists (REPIs) located in the following

regions of the state: Akron-Canton, Athens, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. The OSAM Network

conducts focus groups and individual qualitative interviews with active and recovering drug users and community professionals

(treatment providers, law enforcement officials, etc.) to produce epidemiological descriptions of local substance abuse trends.

Qualitative findings are supplemented with available statistical data such as coroner’s reports and crime laboratory data. Mass media

sources, such as local newspapers, are also monitored for information related to substance abuse trends. Once integrated, these

valuable sources provide the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) with a real-time method of

providing accurate epidemiological descriptions that policymakers need to plan appropriate prevention and intervention strategies.

This Executive Summary presents findings from the OSAM core scientific meeting held in Columbus, Ohio on June 27, 2016. It is based

upon qualitative data collected from January through June 2016 via focus group interviews. Participants were 333 active and recovering

drug users recruited from alcohol and other drug treatment programs in each of OSAM’s eight regions. Data triangulation was achieved

through comparison of participant data to qualitative data collected from 113 community professionals via individual and focus group

interviews, as well as to data surveyed from coroner and medical examiner offices, family and juvenile courts, municipal courts, common

pleas and drug courts, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), police and county crime labs and OhioMHAS’ Screening, Brief

Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) program which operates in federally qualified health centers. In addition, data were

abstracted from the High-lighted Seizures of 2015 and 2016 report of the Criminal Patrol Unit of the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking

Area (HIDTA), as well as from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) which collects results from drug chemistry

analyses conducted by state and local forensic laboratories across Ohio. Media outlets in each region were also queried for

information regarding regional drug abuse for January through June 2016. OSAM research administrators in the Office of Quality,

Planning and Research at OhioMHAS prepared regional reports and compiled this summary of major findings. Please refer to regional

reports for more in-depth information about the drugs reported on in this section.

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

January - June 2016

Powdered Cocaine

Powdered cocaine remains highly available in most OSAM

regions. While reportedly not as available as crack cocaine, par-

ticipants and law enforcement throughout regions discussed

ease in obtaining the drug. Participants indicated that users

would only have to call their dealer to get powdered cocaine.

Many respondents noted that while heroin dominates the cur-

rent drug scene, many heroin users seek powdered cocaine to

use in conjunction with heroin or as a fallback drug when they

cannot get heroin. To meet customer demand for cocaine,

many heroin dealers sell cocaine. Thus, availability of pow-

dered cocaine is high, albeit not as available as heroin. Law

enforcement in the Athens region noted an increase in the

availability of powdered cocaine during the past six months.

They attributed this increase in availability to successful law

enforcement interdiction efforts in limiting the availability of

heroin and oxycodone.

Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network

OSAM

Reported Change in Availability of

Powdered Cocaine

during the Past 6 Months

Region Current Availability Availability Change

Akron-Canton High No change

Athens High

Increase

Cincinnati High No consensus

Cleveland High No consensus

Columbus Moderate to High No consensus

Dayton High No change

Toledo High No change

Youngstown Moderate to High No change

Executive Summary

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 6

Participants indicated that it is most common to purchase

powdered cocaine in one gram or 1/8 ounce (aka “eight

ball”) amounts. Depending on region, a gram of powdered

cocaine sells for $70-100 and 1/8 ounce sells for $180-200.

However, a variety of smaller amounts was also available

throughout regions. The smallest amount of purchase

reported was 1/10 gram or less for $5-10, which is sold in

capsules (aka “caps”) in Cincinnati and Dayton. Depending

on region, 1/4 gram of powdered cocaine sells for $20-25;

1/2 gram sells for $45-50; 1/16 ounce sells for $90-135; an

ounce sells for $900-1,000.

Participants in six of the eight OSAM regions reported snort-

ing, followed by intravenous injection (aka “shooting”), as the

most common route of administration for powdered cocaine.

Participants most often estimated that out of 10 powdered

cocaine users, seven would snort and three would shoot the

drug. Contrarily, Athens and Youngstown participants re-

ported shooting as the most common way to use powdered

cocaine. However, there was a general consensus throughout

regions that snorting is the preferred route of administra-

tion among those who do not shoot other substances.

Additionally, participants in Akron-Canton noted that pow-

dered cocaine can be smoked by lacing it into a marijuana

cigarette (aka “joint”), which they called “laser” or “primo,” or

into a tobacco cigarette, which they called a “snow cap.”

Throughout OSAM regions, participants and community

professionals continued to describe typical powdered

cocaine users as white professionals of a higher socio-

economic status. Several participants added that people

who work long hours use powdered cocaine to stay awake

and alert on the job. Respondents in Toledo commented

that users seem to be getting younger, noting users aged

12 and 13 years. Athens and Dayton participants also

included high school and college students among typical

users. Additionally, some treatment providers observed

typical powdered cocaine users as individuals who abuse

alcohol.

Many other substances are used in combination with

powdered cocaine. Reportedly, alcohol, methamphet-

amine and prescription stimulants (Adderall®) are all used

with powdered cocaine to intensify the high and keep the

user awake. Heroin is used with powdered cocaine for the

“speedball” effect (concurrent or consecutive stimulant and

sedative highs). Participants also reported that marijuana

and sedative-hypnotics (Xanax®) are used to reduce the

intense stimulant high produced by powdered cocaine.

Participants throughout OSAM regions continued to most

often rate the current overall quality of powdered cocaine as

‘5’ on a scale of ‘0’ (poor quality, “garbage”) to ‘10’ (high quality);

the regional modal quality scores ranged from ‘4’ for Toledo

to ‘8’ for Columbus. Participants from Athens, Cincinnati,

Cleveland and Dayton noted a decrease in the overall quality

of powdered cocaine during the past six months, whereas par-

ticipants from all other regions reported quality as unchanged.

Participants throughout regions discussed that receiving qual-

ity powdered cocaine is either random or dependent on how

well one knows the dealer. A couple of Cleveland participants

reported that high-quality cocaine is available in that region,

identifying cocaine imported from Puerto Rico as high qual-

ity. In addition, they also explained that powdered cocaine

called “fish scale” is also of high quality; reportedly, one can see

different colors in this cocaine type that appear similar to the

shimmering colors of fish scales.

Participants were in agreement that the quality of powdered

cocaine continues to be inconsistent. Participants indicated

quality depends on the adulterants (aka “cut”) in the drug.

Participants universally indicated that powdered cocaine is

often cut with other substances and reported the top cut-

ting agents for powdered cocaine as: baby laxative, baking

powder, baking soda, Novocain®, powdered milk, Similac®

and vitamins (B-12). Other cuts mentioned include: acetone,

creatine, diet pills, dietary supplements (inositol and isotol),

ether, heroin, lidocaine (local anesthetic), mannitol (diuretic),

methamphetamine, NoDoz®, numbing agents, Orajel™, pain

relievers (aspirin and Tylenol®), potassium, powdered sugar,

prescription opioids and salt.

Crime labs throughout OSAM regions noted the following

cutting agents for powdered cocaine: acetaminophen (an-

algesic), atropine (prescription heart medication), caffeine,

local anesthetics (benzocaine, lidocaine and procaine),

mannitol (diuretic), and pet and livestock dewormers (le-

vamisole and tetramisole).

Current street jargon includes many names for powdered

cocaine. Several participants indicated that street jargon

reflects the texture or appearance of the cocaine, such as

“flake,” “pearl” and “white.” Some other names mentioned

refer to famous white women, such as “Christina Aguilera,”

“Lady Gaga” and “Madonna.”

Substances Most Often Combined with

Powdered Cocaine

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana •

• prescription stimulants • sedative-hypnotics •

Current Street Names of

Powdered Cocaine

Most

Common Names

blow, coke, girl, powder, snow, soft,

white, white girl

Other Names cocoa, yay-yo

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 7

cocaine during the past six months, whereas participants

from all other regions reported quality as unchanged, with

the exception of Akron-Canton where there was no consen-

sus as to whether quality has decreased or remained the

same. Participants explained that quality varies depending

on the dealer and the user’s relationship with the dealer.

Reportedly, if a user is unknown to a dealer and thought

to be a one-time customer, the user would probably

receive poor quality crack cocaine. Throughout regions,

participants noted that dealers weaken the drug by “cut-

ting” (adulterating) it with other substances to create more

product, thus increasing their profits.

Participants throughout all regions named baking soda

most often as the top cutting agent for crack cocaine, while

also naming the following as top cutting agents: ammonia,

aspirin, baby formula, baby laxatives, baking powder, ben-

zene, dried eggs, ether, Orajel™ and Similac®. Additionally,

participants in Athens named heroin as another top cut

for crack cocaine, citing heroin as a cheap cut, one which

produces a “better high.” Other cuts mentioned include: ac-

etone, Anestol® (analgesic), bleach, creatine, dry wall, flour,

numbing agents, pancake mix and vitamins (B-12).

Crime labs throughout OSAM regions noted the following cut-

ting agents for crack cocaine: acetaminophen (analgesic), atro-

pine (prescription heart medication), caffeine, local anesthetics

(benzocaine, lidocaine and procaine), mannitol (diuretic) and

pet and livestock dewormer (levamisole and tetramisole).

Current street jargon includes several names for crack

cocaine, many of which refer to the texture or appearance

of the drug.

Participants continued to report that crack cocaine is most

commonly purchased in $10 increments, which are not

necessarily weighed out, but are sold by pieces or “rocks.”

Akron-Canton and Dayton participants reported that the

smallest amounts available are less than 1/10 gram and

sell for $5. Cincinnati and Dayton participants continued

to report that crack cocaine is sometimes sold in capsules.

Throughout regions participants indicated that there are

Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine remains highly available throughout OSAM

regions. Respondents consistently described current avail-

ability as everywhere and on every street corner. There was

consensus that crack cocaine is almost as available as heroin

in most areas. The heroin surge of the last couple of years

is thought to have propelled the current high availability

of crack cocaine. As stated in the above powdered cocaine

section, heroin users often use cocaine, particularly crack

cocaine, to complement their heroin use; thus, increasingly

more dealers are carrying both drugs. Law enforcement in

Akron-Canton discussed heroin and methamphetamine’s

domination of the drug scene as the reason for there not

being as much emphasis on crack cocaine as previously.

The availability of crack cocaine has remained consistently

high in most regions. The only region with a change in

availability during the past six months was Cincinnati where

availability has likely increased. Participants discussed high

availability of crack cocaine within the city of Cincinnati and

increasingly in non-urban areas as well. Law enforcement

in Cincinnati attributed the increase in availability in part

to the change in sentencing guidelines which lowered the

penalties for crack cocaine possession to align with those

for powdered cocaine and other street drugs.

Participants throughout OSAM regions most often rated

the current overall quality of crack cocaine as ‘7’ on a scale

of ‘0’ (poor quality, “garbage”) to ‘10’ (high quality); the

regional modal quality scores ranged from ‘4’ for Toledo

to ‘10’ for Cleveland. Participants from Athens, Cincinnati

and Dayton noted a decrease in the overall quality of crack

Reported Change in Availability of

Crack Cocaine

during the Past 6 Months

Region Current Availability Availability Change

Akron-Canton High No change

Athens High No consensus

Cincinnati High

Increase

Cleveland High No change

Columbus High No change

Dayton High No change

Toledo High No change

Youngstown High No consensus

Current Street Names of

Crack Cocaine

Most

Common Names

hard, rock

Other names boulders, butter, girl, stones, work

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 8

easier to obtain heroin than aspirin. Treatment providers

reported that most of their current treatment clients are

heroin users. Community professionals in Dayton often

insisted that the current availability of heroin is higher than

‘10’ on a scale of ‘0’ (not available, impossible to get) to ‘10’

(highly available, extremely easy to get). All respondent

groups in Youngstown discussed heroin as the dominate

drug in the region, with law enforcement there conrming

that most drug trackers are focused on heroin.

Cincinnati law enforcement observed that dealers are

proling users and approaching suspected users unso-

licited, handing out a contact phone number along with

free testers of heroin. Cleveland treatment providers dis-

cussed heroin dealers soliciting for customers at 12-step

meetings and outside of drug treatment facilities. Toledo

participants surmised that, since heroin use has become

so prevalent, even non-drug users would know a person

who uses heroin. One Toledo law enforcement ocer

remarked, “It’s truly an epidemic.”

In regions where an increase in heroin availability is indi-

cated, the consensus was that increased availability is due

to an increase in demand for heroin with more dealers sell-

ing the drug, expanding their market share by increasing

their customer base. More people are using heroin, and

users need a steady supply of the drug to maintain their

addiction and keep themselves from getting sick (going

into withdrawal).

While many types of heroin are currently available through-

out regions, only respondents in Athens and Columbus

better prices for purchasing larger amounts of crack co-

caine during a single buy. Reportedly, pricing is dependent

upon location and the quality of the drug: 1/10-2/10 gram

sells for $10-20; a gram sells for $50-100; 1/8 ounce sells for

$125-225; an ounce sells for $600-1,000.

Participants reported that the most common route of ad-

ministration for crack cocaine remains smoking. Participants

estimated that out of 10 crack cocaine users, 7-10 would

smoke and 0-3 would intravenously inject (aka “shoot”) the

drug. Participants discussed that heroin users would inject

crack cocaine either with heroin or alone. Participants with

experience reported that users use lemon juice, vinegar and

Kool-Aid® to dissolve crack cocaine for shooting.

While participants and community professionals varied in

their descriptions of a typical crack cocaine user, respon-

dents most often continued to describe typical users as

older and of lower socio-economic status, while frequently

noting more African-American users than white users and

more urban users than rural users. Athens, Cleveland and

Columbus respondents reported that crack cocaine use

has become typical among heroin users. Some Columbus

participants also noted truck drivers as typical users.

Many other substances are used in combination with crack

cocaine. Participants reported that alcohol, marijuana and

sedative-hypnotics (Xanax®) are used to help reduce the

stimulant high produced by crack cocaine, while metham-

phetamine and prescription stimulants (Adderall®) are used

to intensify the stimulant high. Additionally, like powdered

cocaine, participants indicated that crack cocaine is used in

combination with heroin for the “speedball” effect (concur-

rent or consecutive stimulant and sedative highs).

Heroin

Heroin remains highly available in every OSAM region, and

its availability continues to increase in Cincinnati, Dayton

and Toledo. Participants discussed that heroin is extremely

easy to get, especially given that dealers oer delivery to

users; due to home delivery, a participant stated that it is

Reported Change in Availability of

Heroin

during the Past Six Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Most Available

Type

Akron-Canton High No change powdered

Athens High No consensus

powdered &

black tar

Cincinnati High

Increase

powdered

Cleveland High No change powdered

Columbus High No change black tar

Dayton High

Increase

powdered

Toledo High

Increase

powdered

Youngstown High No consensus powdered

Substances Most Often Combined with

Crack Cocaine

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana • methamphetamine •

• prescription stimulants • sedative-hypnotics •

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 9

fentanyl being ‘cut’ (adulterated) into heroin, which makes

the drug more potent. The BCI London and Richfield crime

labs, as well as the Columbus Police Crime Lab, reported

processing cases of heroin-fentanyl mixtures and straight

fentanyl submitted as suspected heroin cases during the

past six months; the BCI Richfield lab noted more fentanyl

with heroin cases than previously seen.

Participants and community professionals throughout

OSAM regions continued to note fentanyl as a top cutting

agent for heroin. Respondents explained that fentanyl

is cut into heroin to increase both the potency and the

amount of the drug to increase profits for the dealer. A law

enforcement officer in Akron-Canton explained that the

fentanyl associated with heroin is manufactured in clan-

destine laboratories overseas and shipped in for $7,000

per kilogram, compared to U.S. market value of heroin at

$70,000 per kilogram. Participants and community profes-

sionals discussed an increase in heroin overdoses during

the past six months and identified fentanyl as the cause for

the vast majority of overdoses. Moreover, both respondent

groups reported that users seek the heroin or heroin-

fentanyl mixtures that have caused overdose as this prod-

uct has been proven to be particularly potent.

In addition to fentanyl, participants also named the follow-

ing as top cutting agents for heroin: baby laxatives, baking

soda, mannitol (diuretic), prescription opioids (Dilaudid®,

morphine and Percocet®), sedative-hypnotics (Flexeril®

and Xanax®), sleep aids (Sleepinol®), sugar and vitamins

(vitamin B). Additional cuts mentioned include: acetone,

ammonia, aspirin, baby formula, black mulch, bleach,

blood pressure medication, bouillon cubes, brown sugar,

cocoa powder, coffee, coffee creamer, cornmeal, cosmet-

ics, creatine, dirt, flour, gasoline, gravy, joint supplements

(methylsulfonylmethane [MSM]), Kool-Aid®, Lyrica® (pre-

gabalin, treatment for nerve pain), melatonin, Neurontin®

(gabapentin, anticonvulsant), pancake mix, powdered

cocaine, powdered sugar, prenatal vitamins, shoe polish,

soap, soda pop (Coca-Cola®), Sudafed® and wax.

Crime labs throughout OSAM regions noted the follow-

ing cutting agents for heroin: acetaminophen (analgesic),

caffeine, diphenhydramine (antihistamine), fentanyl/

acetyl fentanyl, mannitol (diuretic), quinine (antimalarial),

sugars and triacetin (glycerin triacetate, a food additive).

In addition, the Columbus Police Crime Lab noted heroin-

methamphetamine mixtures as becoming more common.

Current street jargon includes many names for heroin.

The term “fire” was reported by both participants and law

continued to identify black tar heroin as most available. In

fact, respondents in Akron-Canton, Cleveland, Toledo and

Youngstown reported that black tar heroin is much less avail-

able than powdered heroin in those regions; respondents in

these regions most often reported the current availability of

black tar heroin as ‘1-4’ on a scale of ‘0’ (not available, impos-

sible to get) to ‘10’ (highly available, extremely easy to get).

Throughout OSAM regions, participants reported

powdered heroin in a variety of colors, including blue,

brown, cream, gray, green, pink, purple, tan and white.

Participants in Akron-Canton described the consistency

of heroin most often as “chunky” or “rocky.” Participants

in Toledo and Youngstown spoke of gray-colored heroin;

Youngstown participants referred to it as “kitty litter.”

Participants in most regions discussed a user preference

for white powdered heroin (aka “china white”). However,

a treatment provider in Youngstown stated that clients

report that a user doesn’t usually know the type or color

of the purchased heroin until it is delivered to them. Most

participants agreed that china white is cut with fentanyl,

reportedly, sometimes giving heroin a blue/gray color.

Blue heroin was mentioned across focus groups in Toledo,

with some participants referring to it as “blue magic,” while

others called it “blue dolphin.” Community professionals

also reported white powdered heroin as highly available,

noting that this type of heroin is thought to be most often

cut with fentanyl. Law enforcement in several regions

noted an increase in fentanyl that is sold as heroin and an

increase in heroin-fentanyl mixtures; they also reported

that users are now seeking fentanyl.

Participants throughout OSAM regions most often report-

ed the current overall quality of heroin as high; in fact, par-

ticipants in seven of the eight regions most often reported

the current overall quality of heroin as ‘8-10’ on a scale of

‘0’ (poor quality, “garbage”) to ‘10’ (high quality), with four

regions assigning a rating of ‘10.’ Participants in Athens

reported moderate overall quality, most often reporting the

current overall quality of heroin as ‘7.’ In fact, only Athens

participants indicated decreased quality during the past

six months. The following four regions indicated increased

quality: Akron-Canton, Cincinnati, Dayton and Youngstown.

Because of the saturated heroin market, participants

explained that if users do not like the quality of the heroin

from one dealer, they will purchase from another dealer.

Participants suspected that competition keeps the qual-

ity of heroin high. However, although the overall quality

rating for heroin was high throughout most regions, most

participants noted that the these high ratings are due to

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 10

syringes until they break. In addition, several Akron-Canton

participants added that users in “heroin houses” most often

share needles; one participant reported that her hand was

small enough to retrieve needles from needle disposal

boxes located in physician offices.

While respondents throughout OSAM regions often de-

scribed the typical heroin user as anybody, many respon-

dents continued to associate heroin use most often with

young whites. In addition, there was consensus among

respondent groups that heroin use is increasing among

young adolescents (12- and 13-years old) and high school

students. An Akron-Canton participant divulged that her

11-year-old brother is using heroin. Community profes-

sionals discussed that there is increasingly more peer pres-

sure for high school students to try heroin as the stigma

around heroin use lessens. A law enforcement officer in

Dayton reported that heroin dealers show up at parties

and offer the drug to young people.

Treatment providers in Columbus and Youngstown also

emphasized that heroin users are both male and female,

whereas many respondents continued to report heroin use

as more prevalent among males. A law enforcement officer

in Cleveland observed that there are just as many female

users as male users than was previously the case. In terms of

race, Dayton law enforcement reported that, while heroin

was used predominantly by whites, they now encounter

more African-American heroin users. Law enforcement in

Youngstown also reported an increase in African-American

males using heroin during the past six months. Reportedly,

African-American males typically snort the drug.

Many other substances are used in combination with

heroin. Participants reported that methamphetamine and

powdered cocaine are used in combination with heroin for

the “speedball” effect (concurrent or consecutive stimulant

and sedative highs). Reportedly, Xanax® and Neurontin® are

used in combination with the drug to intensify the high.

Prescription Opioids

While street availability of prescription opioids is high in

half of OSAM’s regions, availability of these drugs for illicit

enforcement as a street name for higher quality heroin.

Law enforcement in Dayton reported that users refer to

fentanyl-laced heroin as “fire” and “orange dope.”

Participants reported that the price of heroin depends on

the quality of the drug, as well as the amount purchased and

the relationship with the dealer. A majority of participants re-

ported that the most common unit of purchase remains 1/10

gram (aka “balloon,” “fold,” “point” or “stamp”), with the excep-

tion of Akron-Canton participants who most often reported

1/4–1/2 gram amounts as most popular. Cincinnati and

Dayton regions continued to report “testers,” small amounts

of heroin in capsules, being handed out as a marketing tool

for dealers. Although these regions are known for heroin sold

in capsules, a few Cleveland and Columbus participants also

noted availability of heroin capsules in their regions. Reports

of current prices for heroin were variable among OSAM

regions: 1/10 gram sells for $10-20; 1/2 gram sells for $60-80;

a gram sells for $100-180; an ounce sells for $850-1,500.

Throughout OSAM regions, participants continued to

report that the most common route of administration

for heroin remains intravenous injection (aka “shooting”),

followed by snorting. Participants estimated that out of 10

heroin users, 7-10 would shoot and 0-3 would snort the

drug. However, Cleveland participants clarified that if users

are not shooting the drug, they generally snort powdered

heroin and smoke black tar heroin.

Participants reported that needles for intravenous injection

(aka “rigs”) are most available from diabetic family mem-

bers, drug dealers, the Internet, needle exchange programs,

pharmacies and some retail stores. Reportedly, needles

purchased on the street most often sell for $2-5 per needle.

Participants reported that sharing needles is extremely

common. However, many participants said they restricted

their needle sharing to only people they knew, such as a

boyfriend or girlfriend. Participants also discussed re-using

Substances Most Often Combined with

Heroin

• alcohol • crack cocaine • marijuana •

• methamphetamine • powdered cocaine •

• sedative-hypnotics •

Current Street Names of

Heroin

Most

Common Names

boy, dog, dog food, dope, H

Other Names for

Black Tar

chocolate, Mexican mud, tar

Other Names for

Brown Powdered

Mr. Brown, brown bomber

Other Names for

White Powdered

china white

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 11

six months. Reportedly, the vast majority of the avail-

able fentanyl is clandestine and imported from overseas.

Participants in Cleveland stated that they could get fentanyl

easier than anything else currently. Participants in Toledo

discussed a high presence of powdered fentanyl in their re-

gion, noting sales of powdered fentanyl which, reportedly,

contains no heroin, calling this straight fentanyl product

“ice cream.” In addition to an increase in fentanyl availability,

participants in Cleveland noted an increase in methadone,

citing the liquid form of this drug as particularly popular.

Corroborating data also indicated the presence of fen-

tanyl. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office found at

least one prescription opioid present in 61.2 percent of

the 147 drug-related deaths it processed during the past

six months; fentanyl was present in 81.1 percent of these

cases. In the Cleveland region, the Lake County Crime

Lab reported that it processed 26 cases involving acetyl

fentanyl during the past six months. In the Toledo region,

the BCI Bowling Green Crime Lab reported processing an

increased number of fentanyl cases.

Current street jargon includes many names for prescrip-

tion opioids (aka, “beans,” “candy,” “pills” and “skittles”).

Most street names reflect pharmaceutical or brand names,

color, shape and/or dosage. Participants reported that

many prescription opioid pills are collectively referred

to as “vikes” (Lortab®, Norco® and Vicodin®) and “perks”

(Percocet® and Roxicodone®).

Universally, participants reported that prescription opioids

generally sell for $1 per milligram on the street, but noted

exceptions. Opana®, Percocet® and Roxicodone® were

use has decreased in half of the regions during the past six

months. Respondents who perceived a decrease in avail-

ability for illicit use most often attributed the decrease to

abuse-deterrent drug reformulations, the increasing cost

of prescription opioids as compared to the inexpensive-

ness of heroin, drug raids by police and a solid tracking

system for prescriptions (OARRS: Ohio Automated Rx

Reporting System).

Throughout regions, participants cited doctors as pre-

scribing fewer opioids. One participant in Akron-Canton

asserted that it is easier to obtain prescription opioids

on the street than from a doctor due to the tightening of

prescribing regulations. Many community professionals

reported greater use of OARRS as effective in reducing

the practice of “doctor shopping” (visiting multiple doc-

tors to obtain multiple opioid prescriptions). However, a

law enforcement officer in Columbus noted an increase

in fraudulent prescriptions, explaining that those seeking

the drugs for abuse or sale are able to manufacture written

prescriptions that are passable through pharmacies.

In terms of availability increase, there was near consensus

among participants and community professionals that

the availability of fentanyl has increased during the past

Reported Availability Change of

Prescription Opioids

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Most Widely

Used

Akron-Canton High No consensus

fentanyl

Percocet®

Vicodin®

Athens High

Decrease

OxyContin®

Percocet®

Cincinnati

Moderate to

High

No consensus

fentanyl

oxycodone

OxyContin®

Percocet®

Vicodin®

Cleveland High No change

Percocet®

Vicodin®

Columbus High No consensus

Percocet®

Vicodin®

Dayton Moderate

Decrease

Percocet®

Vicodin®

Toledo

Moderate to

High

Decrease

Percocet®

Youngstown Moderate

Decrease

Percocet®

tramadol

Vicodin®

Current Street Names of

Prescription Opioids

Dilaudid® Ds, dillies, K-4 (4 mg), K-8 (8 mg)

fentanyl china, fent, patches, suckers

Lortab® tab

methadone coffins, dones, wafers

Norco® norks

Opana® busses, OPs, pandas

OxyContin® OCs, OP, oxies

Percocet® blues, Ps, perks, 5s (5 mg), 10s (10 mg)

Roxicodone® perk 30s (30 mg), roxies, 15s (15 mg)

Tylenol® 3 or 4 stop signs, subs

Ultram®/tramadol tram , trammies

Vicodin® vickies, vikes

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 12

Suboxone®

Suboxone® remains highly available throughout OSAM

regions. Street availability has increased for two of the eight

regions during the past six months: Cleveland and Toledo.

Throughout regions, participants continued to report the

sublingual filmstrip form of Suboxone® (aka “strips”) as the

most common form of the drug. Increases in street availability

were attributed to more doctors prescribing Suboxone® and

more users seeking it. Treatment providers in Athens noted an

increase in Suboxone® programs in their region. Participants in

Youngstown explained that availability has increased because

users can go to a Suboxone® clinic and pay cash for a prescrip-

tion. Participants discussed that users purchase a prescription

and then sell or trade all or part of it to obtain heroin.

A law enforcement officer in Akron-Canton reported that

Suboxone® has replaced methadone on the street as the

go-to drug for heroin users when they cannot obtain heroin.

Reportedly, many heroin dealers also carry Suboxone® to

offer to their clients when they are awaiting the arrival of a

heroin shipment. Community professionals in Toledo af-

firmed that users who want to get off of heroin, or who

cannot find heroin, purchase Suboxone® on the street to

avoid withdrawal sickness. The BCI Bowling Green Crime Lab

reported that the number of Suboxone® cases it processes

has increased during the past six months.

Current street jargon includes a few names for Suboxone®.

Participants continued to report street names referring to the

brand name, shape or color of the drug.

often reported as selling for higher, up to $2 per milligram,

while Vicodin® was consistently reported as selling for less

than $1 per milligram. Additionally, participants in half of

OSAM regions believed that street prices for prescription

opioids have increased during the past six months.

Participants reported obtaining prescription opioids for

illicit use from doctors, pain clinics, hospital emergency

rooms, dealers, medicine cabinets of family and friends, and

most commonly, from other people who have prescrip-

tions. Youngstown participants also reported obtaining

prescription opioids through theft or purchase from elderly

people. Once again, some law enforcement officers in the

Columbus region reported people obtaining these medica-

tions by using specialized software for printing fraudulent

prescriptions.

While there were a few reported ways of consuming

vprescription opioids, and variations in methods of use

were noted among types of prescription opioids, gener-

ally the most common route of administration for illicit use

remains snorting, followed by oral consumption (chewing

and swallowing), then intravenous injection (aka “shoot-

ing”). Participants noted that oral consumption includes

“parachuting” (crushing the pill, wrapping it in tissue and

swallowing).

Participants throughout OSAM regions continued to most

often describe typicav illicit users of prescription opioids

as anybody. Most agreed with the sentiment expressed by

one participant who explained that illicit prescription opi-

oid use usually starts with pain, and everyone is subjected

to pain and can be prescribed opioids. Many participants

also reported that the profile of a typical illicit prescription

opioid user is similar to the profile of a typical heroin user.

Community professionals described typical illicit users also

as similar to typical heroin users: mostly white, crossing

all genders, socio-economic status and occupations. An

exception was noted when it comes to the illicit use of tra-

madol. A law enforcement official in Youngstown reported

that most of their tramadol cases involve African-American

users.

Many other substances are used in combination with pre-

scription opioids. Throughout regions, respondents identified

alcohol, marijuana and sedative-hypnotics as the most com-

mon drugs used in combination with prescription opioids.

Participants reported that these drugs are used in combina-

tion with prescription opioids to intensify one’s high.

Substances Most Often Combined with

Prescription Opioids

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana •

• powdered cocaine • sedative-hypnotics •

Reported Availability Change of

Suboxone®

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Akron-Canton High No change

Athens High No change

Cincinnati Moderate to High No change

Cleveland High

Increase

Columbus High No consensus

Dayton High No consensus

Toledo High

Increase

Youngstown High No consensus

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 13

Sedative-Hypnotics

Sedative-hypnotics (benzodiazepines, barbiturates and

muscle relaxants) are moderately to highly available in

Athens, Columbus and Dayton, while highly available

throughout all other OSAM regions. Data do not indicate

regional increases in street availability of these drugs dur-

ing the past six months. Treatment providers discussed

that clients use sedative-hypnotics when they cannot get

their drug of choice and are going through withdrawal.

An Athens treatment provider indicated MAT (medication-

assisted treatment) programs as dispensing Xanax® to

their clients. Both participants and community profes-

sionals throughout regions discussed users combining

sedative-hypnotic use with other drug use.

Corroborating data indicated that sedative-hypnotics are

available for illicit use in the region. The Cuyahoga County

Medical Examiner’s Office reported that 23.7 percent of

the 198 drug overdose deaths it processed during the past

six months involved one or more sedative-hypnotic.

Respondents throughout OSAM regions identified Xanax®

as the most popular sedative-hypnotic in terms of wide-

spread illicit use. Most participants who reported illicit use

of sedatives reported using Xanax® and added that they

could obtain the drug fairly easily. However, a few Columbus

participants warned of fake Xanax® being traded, identifying

Reports of current street prices for Suboxone® remained vari-

able among participants with experience buying the drug.

Participants reported that Suboxone® filmstrips and tablets

generally cost $8-15 for 4 mg; $10-20 for 8 mg; and up to

$30 apiece for 12 mg. Much higher prices were provided by

participants in the Athens regions: $20-35 for 8 mg filmstrip

or tablet. Several participants explained that the price of

Suboxone® typically increases if a user appears to be desper-

ate or in withdrawal. Several participants also noted that

Suboxone® is often traded for other drugs.

In addition to obtaining Suboxone® on the street from deal-

ers, participants reported getting the drug from doctors,

treatment centers, Suboxone® clinics and other users with

prescriptions. Participants reported that the most com-

mon route of administration for illicit use of the Suboxone®

filmstrip form remains sublingual, followed by intravenous

injection (aka “shooting”) and then snorting, while the

most common routes of administration for illicit use of

Suboxone® tablets remain snorting and oral consumption.

A profile for a typical illicit user of Suboxone® did not

emerge from the data. However, an overwhelming major-

ity of respondents throughout regions acknowledged

typical illicit users of Suboxone® as anyone addicted to

heroin and/or prescription opioids who does not want to

be “dope sick” (in withdrawal).

Participants reported that other drugs are often used in

combination with Suboxone®. Reportedly, Suboxone® is used

in combination with crack and powdered cocaine because

Suboxone® does not block the stimulant high of cocaine.

Further, participants mentioned that Suboxone® is used to

bring methamphetamine users down from that stimulant

high. Participants also reported that Suboxone® is used in com-

bination with Neurontin® to intensify the effects of that drug.

Current Street Names of

Suboxone®

General box (boxes, boxin, boxone), subs

filmstrip strips

tablet oranges, stop signs

Substances Most Often Combined with

Suboxone®

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana • prescription opioids •

• powdered cocaine • sedative-hypnotics •

Reported Availability Change of

Sedative-Hypnotics

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Most Widely

Used

Akron-Canton High No change Xanax®

Athens

Moderate to

High

No change Xanax®

Cincinnati High No change

Klonopin®

Valium®

Xanax

Cleveland High No change Xanax

Columbus

Moderate to

High

No consensus Xanax®

Dayton

Moderate to

High

No consensus

Klonopin®

Xanax®

Toledo High No consensus Xanax®

Youngstown High No consensus Xanax®

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 14

Many other substances are used in combination with

sedative-hypnotics. Throughout regions, respondents

identified alcohol, heroin and marijuana as the most com-

mon drugs used with sedative-hypnotics. Participants

reported that sedative-hypnotics are often used to bring

people down from stimulant highs produced by such

drugs as methamphetamine. Reportedly, heroin and al-

cohol are used in combination with sedative-hypnotics to

intensify the “nod” (lowered consciousness/blackout).

Marijuana

Marijuana remains highly available throughout OSAM

regions. Participants most often noted a general prefer-

ence for high-grade marijuana. Respondents in all regions

again mentioned availability of marijuana extracts and

concentrates (aka “wax” and “dabs”), which reference

products derived from an extraction of tetrahydrocannab-

inol (THC) from high-grade marijuana leaves by heating

it with butane and creating a brown, waxy, hard or oily

substance. The current availability of dabs was reported as

moderate to high throughout regions, with the exception

of Cleveland where participants most often indicated low

to moderate availability. An increase in general availabil-

ity of marijuana during the past six months was noted

in half of OSAM’s eight regions. Additionally, five regions

pressed tablets that resemble Xanax®, but include fentanyl or

BuSpar® (an anti-anxiety medication).

Current street jargon includes several names for sedative-

hypnotics (aka “benzos” and “downers”). Respondents

across regions reported more names for Xanax® than any

other sedative-hypnotic discussed. Typically, street jargon

for these pills reflects the brand name or the appearance of

the pill; for instance, “klonies” for Klonopin® or “V-cuts” refer-

ring to Valium® with the ‘V’ cut out of the middle of the pill.

Reports of current street prices for sedative-hypnotics

were consistent throughout regions. Participants reported

that Klonopin® and Xanax® sell for $2 or more per mil-

ligram, while all other sedative-hypnotics generally sell

for $1 per milligram. In addition to obtaining sedative-

hypnotics on the street from dealers and other users, par-

ticipants continued to report also getting them through

personal prescription, as well as from friends and family

members who have prescriptions.

While there were a few reported ways of using sedative-

hypnotics, generally the most common routes of ad-

ministration for illicit use remain oral consumption and

snorting. Throughout regions, participants most often

estimated that out of 10 illicit sedative-hypnotic users, five

would orally consume (aka “eat”) and five would snort the

drugs. Participants frequently added that oral consump-

tion includes “parachuting” (crushing the pill, wrapping

it in tissue and swallowing). Many users in Akron-Canton

also spoke of dissolving the sedative-hypnotic pill in an

alcoholic beverage and drinking it.

There was consensus once again among respondent

groups that white females are most likely to illicitly use

sedative-hypnotics. However, several treatment provider

groups in a couple of regions reported teens and college

students as typical illicit users as well. In addition, several

regions continued to note illicit use as high among those

addicted to opiates; reportedly, heroin users seek sedative-

hypnotics to help with withdrawal. A Columbus pharma-

cist reported that sedative-hypnotics are more commonly

used by people who also have prescriptions for opioid

medications.

Substances Most Often Combined with

Sedative-Hypnotics

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana • methamphetamine •

• powdered cocaine • prescription opioids •

Current Street Names of

Sedative-Hypnotics

Klonopin® forgot-a-pins, klonies, k-pins, pins, wagon wheels

Soma® Scooby snacks, soma coma, soma shuffle

Valium® Vs, v-cut

Xanax® bars, footballs, peaches, purple footballs, xanies, Zs

Reported Availability Change of

Marijuana

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Akron-Canton High

Increase

Athens High No change

Cincinnati High

Increase

Cleveland High No consensus

Columbus High No change

Dayton High

Increase

Toledo High No change

Youngstown High

Increase

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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OSAM Drug Trend Report January-June 2013

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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1/8 ounce sells for $50; 1/4 ounce sells for $80-100; and an

ounce sells for $250-350. A gram of marijuana extracts and

concentrates most often sells for $40-50.

Respondents unanimously reported that the most com-

mon route of administration of marijuana remains smok-

ing. Most regions also reported some use of edibles and

Dayton participants said most edibles come from states

with legal marijuana dispensaries. Participants in half of

OSAM regions also reported using vaporizers for extracts

and concentrates. In addition, Columbus participants

recounted use of marijuana tablets, topical THC oil and

ocular absorption of liquid THC via eye drops.

A profile of a typical marijuana user did not emerge from

the data. However, several participants and community

professionals associated younger users with high-grade

marijuana use, including extracts and concentrates.

Participants in the Columbus region explained that older

users are not only used to low-grade quality, but do not

always have the connections for high-grade marijuana

and do not want to spend the money for high grade. Law

enforcement also noted that those with little money use

low-grade marijuana because of its low price.

Participants and community professionals continued to

report that marijuana is most often used in combination

with other substances to intensify one’s high. A participant

claimed, “Whatever drug people use, they will use marijuana

with it.”

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is highly available throughout OSAM

regions. Participants continued to report highest avail-

ability in rural areas. Crystal and powdered forms of the

drug were noted throughout all regions, but powdered

methamphetamine is reportedly most available in all

regions except Columbus where crystal methamphet-

amine is thought to be most available. In the Dayton

region, participants indicated powdered methamphet-

amine as most available during the past six months,

reported an increase in high-grade marijuana and all re-

gions, except Cincinnati, reported an increase specifically

in extracts and concentrates.

Participants throughout OSAM regions most often rated

the current overall quality of marijuana as ‘10’ on a scale

of ‘0’ (poor quality, “garbage”) to ‘10’ (high quality); the

regional modal quality scores ranged from ‘0-5’ for low-

grade marijuana and ‘8-10’ for high-grade marijuana.

Akron-Canton participants explained that the high qual-

ity of marijuana is due to legalization of marijuana use in

other states, which has resulted in better growing tech-

niques for the drug. Participants who reported on marijua-

na extracts and concentrates reported very high quality of

the drug.

Participants from Akron-Canton, Cleveland and Dayton

noted an increase in the quality of high-grade marijuana

during the past six months, whereas participants from all

other regions reported unchanged quality for high-grade

marijuana. Participants throughout regions reported that

the overall quality of low-grade marijuana has remained the

same, with the exception of Dayton where participants re-

ported decreased quality. Additionally, several participants

across regions reported that the quality of extracts and

concentrates has increased during the past six months.

Current street jargon includes countless names for marijua-

na (aka “bud,” “ganja,” “pot,” “trees” and “weed”). Participants

explained that names are often derived from the color

(“purple” and “orange”), texture (“sticky” and “crumble”) and

smell (“skunk”). Participants provided more street names for

extracts and concentrates than previously reported.

Reported prices for marijuana were fairly consistent

throughout OSAM regions. For low-grade marijuana, a

“blunt” (cigar) or two “joints” (cigarettes) sell for $5; 1/4

ounce sells for $25; and an ounce sells for $75-100. For

high-grade marijuana, a blunt or two joints sell for $10-20;

Current Street Names of

Marijuana

Low grade dirt (dirt weed), mids, reggie, schwag

High grade

chronic, dank, dro, fire, hydro, kush,

kynd* (kynd bud, kynd stick), loud

Extracts &

concentrates

BHO (butane honey oil), dabadoos,

dabs, live resin, moxies, oil, shatter, wax

*”Kynd” refers to Kynd Cannabis Company in Nevada.

Substances Most Often Combined with

Marijuana

• alcohol • heroin • prescription opioids •

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 16

the quality of methamphetamine depends on who

manufactures the drug, what ingredients are used and

if it has been adulterated (aka “cut”) with additional

substances. Participants in most regions reported that

methamphetamine is cut with other substances and

noted the following as most common: Adderall®, animal

tranquilizer, aspirin, baby formula, baby laxative, Epsom

salt, ether, lithium, “molly” (powdered form of MDMA),

MSM (methysulfonylmethane, a joint supplement), paint

thinner, pool shock (highly chlorinated chemical used in

pools), rock salt, sedative-hypnotics and vitamin E.

Overall, the majority of participants in half of OSAM

regions reported that the general quality of metham-

phetamine has remained the same during the past six

months. Columbus and some Athens participants report-

ed a general decrease in quality, while Cleveland partici-

pants reported increased quality for both powdered and

crystal methamphetamine. Akron-Canton participants

reported that the quality of powdered methamphet-

amine has decreased, while the quality of crystal meth-

amphetamine has remained the same.

Current street jargon includes many names for metham-

phetamine, many of which refer to the appearance or the

stimulant effect of the drug.

Reports of current prices for methamphetamine were

fairly consistent among participants with experience pur-

chasing the drug. For powdered methamphetamine, 1/2

gram sells for $50-60; a gram sells for $100. Participants

from only three regions (Akron-Canton, Toledo and

Youngstown) reported prices for crystal methamphet-

amine: a gram sells for $100-130. Participants and law

enforcement in several regions continued to report that

a box of pseudoephedrine can be traded for 1/2 gram of

powdered methamphetamine.

Participants continued to report smoking and intra-

venous injection (aka “shooting”) as the most common

routes of administration for methamphetamine, although

participants in several regions also reported smoking

the drug. Columbus participants specified that it is most

while law enforcement reported crystal methamphet-

amine as most available.

Corroborating data indicated the continued presence

of methamphetamine. A query of the National Forensic

Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) for all Ohio coun-

ties returned 2,706 methamphetamine cases reported

statewide during the past six months. The Cuyahoga

County Medical Examiner’s Office also noted four overdose

deaths involving methamphetamine. All regions except

Toledo indicated an increase in availability of methamphet-

amine. In addition, the BCI Richfield Crime Lab, the Miami

Valley Regional Crime Lab and the Lake County Crime Lab

reported an increased number of methamphetamine cases

processed during the past six months.

Participants and law enforcement in a few regions noted

crystal methamphetamine coming into their regions

from Mexico along with heroin shipments. The powdered

form of the drug (aka “shake-and-bake”) is easily made

by mixing common household chemicals with ammo-

nium nitrate (found in cold packs) and pseudoephedrine

(found in some allergy medications) in a single sealed

container, such as a two-liter soda bottle. Several partici-

pants and community professionals related how easily

the ingredients are obtained and how simple it is to

manufacture methamphetamine.

Throughout OSAM regions, participants reported high

quality of methamphetamine, rating current quality

most often as ‘8-10’ on a scale of ‘0’ (poor quality, “gar-

bage”) to ‘10’ (high quality). Participants reported that

Current Street Names of

Methamphetamine

General crank, go, go-fast, meth, speed, tina, tweak

Powdered shake-and-bake

Crystal crystal, glass, ice, shards

Reported Availability Change of

Methamphetamine

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Akron-Canton High

Increase

Athens High Increase

Cincinnati High

Increase

Cleveland High Increase

Columbus High Increase

Dayton Moderate to High

Increase

Toledo High No change

Youngstown High

Increase

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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In general, there was little consensus regarding a change

of availability for prescription stimulants during the past six

months; respondents in just three regions were in con-

sensus. Cleveland participants and treatment providers

reported increased availability of prescription stimulants,

attributing this increase to more prescriptions for stimu-

lants being written in the region.

Throughout OSAM regions, Adderall® remains the most

popular prescription stimulant in terms of widespread illicit

use. However, the BCI London, Lake County and Columbus

Police crime labs reported decreases in the number of

Adderall® cases processed during the past six months. The

BCI Bowling Green, BCI Richfield, BCI London and Miami

Valley Regional crime labs reported increases in the number

of Ritalin® cases they process.

Current street jargon includes a few names for prescrip-

tion stimulants (aka “speed” and “uppers”). Participants

explained that the street name, “barrels,” for Concerta®

reflects the shape of the pill and the term, “super mans,” for

Vyvanse® is due to the blue and red colors of the capsule.

common to shoot or snort crystal methamphetamine

while most common to smoke or snort powdered meth-

amphetamine. Participants explained snorting meth-

amphetamine through “hot railing” the drug, which

they described as heating a glass tube and snorting the

resulting vapors. Additionally, several participants across

regions reported that users often utilize more than one

route of administration at the same time.

Participants and community professionals across regions

most often described typical methamphetamine users

as white, male, rural, of lower socio-economic status and

aged 20s-40s. Respondents also noted that many meth-

amphetamine users are heroin addicts and explained that

the drug is often used to avoid opiate withdrawal symp-

toms. Additionally, Cincinnati and Dayton participants

and community professionals reported that a few users

being treated with Vivitrol® are using methamphetamine

because they are able to achieve a stimulant high while on

the drug, as Vivitrol® only blocks for an opiate high.

Several other substances are used in combination with

methamphetamine. Throughout regions, respondents

identified alcohol, heroin and marijuana as most common.

Reportedly, these drugs are used in combination to bring

the user down from the extreme stimulant high produced

by methamphetamine. Additionally, heroin is combined

with methamphetamine for the “speedball” effect (concur-

rent or consecutive stimulant and sedative highs).

Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants are moderately to highly available

throughout most OSAM regions. Exceptions include Akron-

Canton where community professionals reported low street

availability and Columbus where community profession-

als were unable to report on street availability. However,

corroborating data indicated availability of prescription

stimulants in the Columbus region. The Fairfield County

Municipal Court reported that of the 1,225 positive drug

tests it recorded during the past six months, 15.3 percent

were positive for amphetamines.

Substances Most Often Combined with

Methamphetamine

• alcohol • heroin • marijuana •

• prescription opioids • sedative-hypnotics •

Reported Availability Change of

Prescription Stimulants

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current

Availability

Change

Most Widely

Used

Akron-Canton Low to Moderate No consensus Adderall®

Athens High No consensus Adderall®

Cincinnati High No consensus

Adderall®

Ritalin®

Cleveland High

Increase

Adderall®

Vyvanse®

Columbus No consensus No change Adderall®

Dayton Moderate No consensus Adderall®

Toledo Moderate No change Adderall®

Youngstown Moderate No consensus Adderall®

Current Street Names of

Prescription Stimulants

Adderall® addies, adds

Concerta® barrels

Vyvanse® super mans

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 18

remains available throughout OSAM regions. Respondents

in several regions reported that traditional ecstasy tablets

are less available than the powdered form of MDMA (aka

“molly”). Reports on change in availability for ecstasy and

molly during the past six months were inconclusive for

half of OSAM regions, while increased availability was in-

dicated for the other half of regions. Respondents who re-

ported greater availability attributed the increase primarily

to the growing popularity of molly, as well as to the timing

of the reporting period; availability is said to increase in

spring and summer due to the popularity of ecstasy and

molly use at outdoor music festivals. The BCI Bowling

Green, BCI London, BCI Richfield and the Miami Valley

Regional crime labs reported increases in the number of

ecstasy cases processed during the past six months; note,

these labs do not differentiate molly from ecstasy cases.

Only participants from Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo

rated the current overall quality of ecstasy and molly; they

most often reported quality as ‘7-8’ on a scale of ‘0’ (poor

quality, “garbage”) to ‘10’ (high quality). Participants in all

other regions were unable to report on quality, as few par-

ticipants in those regions had recent exposure/experience

with the drugs. Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo participants

Reports of current street prices for prescription stimulants

were consistent among participants with experience buy-

ing these drugs. Reportedly, Adderall® 10 mg sells for $3

and 30 mg sells for $5-6. Participants reported obtaining

prescription stimulants for illicit use from dealers, doctors

and parents of children who have prescriptions.

Participants reported that the most common routes of ad-

ministration for illicit use of prescription stimulants remain

oral consumption and snorting. Descriptions of oral con-

sumption included swallowing (aka “popping”), chewing

and “parachuting” (crushing the pill, or emptying the beads

out of the capsule, into a piece of tissue, wrapping and

swallowing). Only participants from Columbus mentioned

illicit use of prescription stimulants by intravenous injection

(aka “shooting”), but this method is reportedly rare.

Participants and community professionals described typi-

cal illicit prescription stimulant users as high school and

college age, those who work long or third-shift hours and

parents of children who have prescriptions (often mothers).

Several participants explained that young mothers divert a

child’s stimulant medication for personal use to get the en-

ergy needed to keep up with their children, to lose weight

and/or to complete household chores. Likewise, Dayton

treatment providers reported that illicit use of prescription

stimulants is usually goal-oriented and added that illicit

users take these medications when working late hours or

studying and to party longer when drinking alcohol.

Several other substances are used in combination with

prescription stimulants. Throughout regions, respondents

identified alcohol, marijuana and prescription opioids as

the most common drugs used in combination with pre-

scription stimulants. Reportedly, these other drugs are used

to bring the user down from the stimulant high.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine: MDMA, or

other derivatives containing BZP, MDA and/or TFMPP)

Reported Availability Change of

Ecstasy/Molly

during the Past 6 Months

Region

Current Availability

Availability

Change

Tablet

(ecstasy)

Powdered

(molly)

Ecstasy/

Molly

Akron-

Canton

consensus

Moderate

consensus

Athens

consensus

Increase

Cincinnati

Moderate to

High

Moderate to

High

consensus

Cleveland

Moderate to

High

Moderate to

High

Increase

Columbus

Low Moderate

consensus

Dayton

High High

Increase

Toledo

Moderate to

High

Increase

Youngstown

Moderate Moderate No change

Substances Most Often Combined with

Prescription Stimulants

• alcohol • marijuana • prescription opioids •

• sedative-hypnotics •

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Youngstown community professionals reported that ec-

stasy is popular with African Americans.

Participants reported alcohol as the most common

substance used in combination with ecstasy and molly.

According to participants, ecstasy is used in combination

with other drugs as it enhances the effect of other drugs.

Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana (synthetic cannabinoids) remains

available throughout OSAM regions despite the October

2011 legislation that banned its sale and use. However,

the majority of participants and community professionals

reported little or no personal experience with the drug

during the past six months. Akron-Canton participants

reported high availability of the drug, but noted that

synthetic marijuana is not preferred. Athens participants

reported higher availability of synthetic marijuana in more

urban areas as opposed to rural.

Corroborating data indicated availability of synthetic

marijuana in the Athens regions. A query of the National

Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) for the

counties which comprise the Athens region returned

seven cases of synthetic cannabinoids for Belmont County

and eight cases for Guernsey County. No cases in the re-

gion were found for the previous reporting period.

Half of OSAM regions reported a decrease in availability

of synthetic marijuana during the past six months, with

no respondent reporting an increase. The BCI London and

Richfield crime labs, along with the Columbus Police and

the Miami Valley Regional crime labs reported a decrease in

the number of synthetic marijuana cases processed during

the past six months, while the BCI Bowling Green and Lake

County crime labs reported an increase in number of cases.

Participants indicated poor general quality of synthetic

marijuana. A few participants in Cincinnati reported the

current overall quality of the drug as inconsistent.

reported that the overall quality of ecstasy and molly

has remained the same during the past six months.

Participants in Akron-Canton who had current knowledge

of molly described it as having a pink tint and further

reported several substances used to “cut” (adulterate) the

drug: bath salts, heroin, powdered cocaine, synthetic mari-

juana and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive

ingredient in marijuana).

Current street jargon includes several names for ecstasy

and molly.

Reports of current prices for ecstasy and molly were

provided by participants with experience purchasing

the drugs. Depending on the quality and dose amount,

pressed ecstasy tablets sell for $10-20. Participants in

Akron-Canton, Cincinnati and Dayton reported molly as

sold in capsules (approximately 1/10-2/10 gram amounts).

Prices for molly were variable depending on region: a

capsule or 1/10 gram of molly sells for $10-20; a gram sells

for $40 in Cleveland and Youngstown regions, while selling

closer to $80 in all other regions.

Several participants reported obtaining ecstasy and molly

at bars, clubs, festivals, parties and “raves” (dance parties).

Participants reported that the most common routes of

administration remain oral consumption and snorting.

Several participants specified that molly is most often

snorted, while ecstasy tablets are most often taken orally.

Oral consumption includes swallowing an ecstasy tablet

or molly capsule, as well as “parachuting” (wrapping a

crushed tablet or molly powder in a small piece of tissue

and swallowing). Another method of administration noted

by several participants was anal insertion (aka “booty

bump” and “plugging”).

Participants and community professionals throughout

OSAM regions most often described typical ecstasy and

molly users as high school and college students, those

who attend bars/clubs, music festivals, parties and raves,

as well as exotic dancers and hippies. Akron-Canton and

Current Street Names

Ecstasy

beans, rolls, skittles, sweet hearts, sweet

tarts, X

Molly

Miley Cyrus, monkey, turtles

Substances Most Often Combined with

Ecstasy/Molly

• alcohol • hallucinogens • heroin • marijuana •

• methamphetamine • powdered cocaine •

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 20

Current street jargon included few names for synthetic

marijuana.

Reports of current prices of synthetic marijuana were

variable among participants with experience purchasing

the drug. A one-gram bag of synthetic marijuana sells for

$6-10, while a 3.5 gram bag sells for $20-30.

Reportedly, synthetic marijuana is most commonly obtained

through Internet purchase, from head shops and sometimes

from dealers. A participant in the Akron-Canton region re-

ported that users can make the drug by using chemicals pur-

chased in head shops and through the Internet. Participants

continued to report that the most common route of adminis-

tration of synthetic marijuana remains smoking. Participants

and community professionals also continued to describe

typical synthetic marijuana users as young (teens and

college-age adults) and those who are subject to drug test-

ing through probation or employment.

Many participants noted that synthetic marijuana is not

often used in combination with other substances and

reasoned that the drug is most often used to pass drug

screens.

Other Drugs in the OSAM Regions

Participants and community professionals listed a variety

of other drugs as currently available, but these drugs were

not mentioned by the majority of people interviewed.

Several of these other drugs were not reported as present

in every region.

Anabolic Steroids

Law enforcement in only two regions, Akron-Canton and

Toledo, reported on availability of anabolic steroids during

the past six months. Akron-Canton law enforcement contin-

ued to indicate high availability of these drugs and reported

that they are imported from other countries. Law enforce-

ment from both regions described the typical anabolic

steroid user as young, male athletes or body builders. Toledo

law enforcement noted that anabolic steroids are not an

inner-city drug.

Substances Most Often Combined with

Synthetic Marijuana

• alcohol • heroin • tobacco •

Current Street Names of

Synthetic Marijuana

Most Common Names K2, katie, spice

Reported Availability Change of

Synthetic Marijuana

during the Past 6 Months

Region Current Availability Availability Change

Akron-Canton* No consensus

Decrease

Athens No consensus No consensus

Cincinnati Low

Decrease

Cleveland* High No consensus

Columbus No consensus No consensus

Dayton Moderate

Decrease

Toledo Moderate No consensus

Youngstown No consensus

Decrease

Reported Availability of

Other Drugs

in each of the OSAM Regions

Region Other Drugs

Akron-Canton

anabolic steroids, bath salts, hallucino-

gens (LSD, psilocybin mushrooms)

Athens

bath salts, hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin

mushrooms), Neurontin®

Cincinnati

bath salts, hallucinogens (LSD, psi-

locybin mushrooms), inhalants, ket-

amine, Neurontin®, OTCs, Seroquel® (an

antipsychotic)

Cleveland

hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, psilocybin mush-

rooms), ketamine, Neurontin®

Columbus

bath salts, hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin

mushrooms), Neurontin®, promethazine

(antihistamine, a neuroleptic)

Dayton

bath salts, hallucinogens (LSD, psilocy-

bin mushrooms), inhalants , Neurontin®,

OTCs, Seroquel® (an antipsychotic)

Toledo

anabolic steroids, hallucinogens (LSD,

psilocybin mushrooms), inhalants, pro-

methazine (antihistamine, a neuroleptic)

Youngstown

hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin

mushrooms)

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Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

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Bath Salts

Bath salts (synthetic compounds containing methylone,

mephedrone, MDPV or other chemical analogues, includ-

ing alpha-PVP, aka “akka”) remain available throughout

the majority of OSAM regions; however, not many respon-

dents had personal experience with this drug during the

past six months. Low availability was reported in Athens,

Cincinnati and Dayton regions, while moderate availability

was reported in Akron-Canton and Columbus regions.

Respondents in Athens, Cincinnati and Dayton reported

a decrease in availability of bath salts during the past six

months, while Columbus participants reported an increase

in availability. The BCI London, BCI Richeld and the Miami

Valley Regional crime labs reported a decrease in the

number of bath salts cases processed during the past six

months.

Reports of current prices for bath salts were variable

among participants with experience purchasing the drug.

Akron-Canton participants reported that baths salts sell for

$10-15 for 1-3 grams; Cincinnati participants reported $35

per vial (approximately two grams) and $200 for 25 grams;

Dayton participants reported $30 for one gram.

Participants and community professionals continued

to report that bath salts are obtained through dealers,

head shops, music festivals, “raves” (dance parties) and

via Internet purchase. Cincinnati and Dayton participants

reported that the most common route of administration

for bath salts is snorting and estimated that out of 10 us-

ers, nine would snort and one would intravenously inject

(aka “shoot”) the drug. However, Columbus participants re-

ported smoking as most common and estimated that out

of 10 users, seven would smoke and three would either

shoot or snort bath salts.

Participants and community professionals described typi-

cal bath salts users most often as young (teens and 20s),

white and male. Akron-Canton participants added that

users are often on probation. Participants reported that

bath salts are most often used alone or in combination with

alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy/molly, hallucinogens (lysergic acid

diethylamide [LSD] and psilocybin mushrooms) and mari-

juana. Columbus participants reported that bath salts use

with LSD is referred to as “candy ipping,” while its use with

psilocybin mushrooms is referred to as “hippie ipping.”

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens remain available throughout OSAM regions.

Generally, these include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

and psilocybin mushrooms, but Cleveland respondents

continued to identify phencyclidine (PCP) as moderately

available. Personal experience and knowledge of these

drugs was limited to a few participants and community

professionals in each region. The few participants with per-

sonal experience reported current overall hallucinogenic

availability as moderate to high. However, law enforce-

ment most often reported low to moderate availability

of these drugs and treatment providers in Columbus

reported high availability of LSD in their region. Cleveland

participants reported moderate availability of PCP dur-

ing the past six months, while treatment providers in the

region indicated high availability.

Respondents continued to note that availability of hal-

lucinogens is seasonal and reported that availability of

LSD and psilocybin mushrooms has remained the same or

increased during the past six months.

Reports of current prices of hallucinogens were variable

among participants with experience purchasing these

drugs. Reportedly, LSD is typically sold on blotter paper or

in liquid form: one dose (aka “hit”) sells for $5-10. Psilocy-

bin mushrooms are sold in similar quantities and prices as

marijuana: a gram sells for $10-20; 1/8 ounce sells for $30-

40. Cleveland participants reported that a cigarette dipped

in PCP sells for $10.

Participants reported that hallucinogens are most often

obtained at music festivals and “raves” (dance parties),

but psilocybin mushrooms are also grown or purchased

online. The most common route of administration for

LSD and psilocybin mushrooms is oral consumption. For

Crime Lab Reported Change in Number of

Hallucinogen Cases

during the Past 6 Months

Crime Lab

LSD

Psilocybin

Mushrooms

PCP

BCI London

Crime Lab

Increase Increase

Not reported

BCI Richeld

Crime Lab

Increase Increase Increase

Columbus Police

Crime Lab

Increase

Not reported Not reported

Lake County

Crime Lab

No change No change

Decrease

Miami Valley

Regional Crime Lab

Increase Increase

Not reported

Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio

OSAM Drug Trend Report January - June 2016 Page 22

LSD, oral consumption means the liquid is either dropped

on the tongue or used via squares of blotter paper that

contain the drug. For psilocybin mushrooms, oral con-

sumption is most often in food because of the bitter taste

of the drug. Participants also reported ocular absorption of

LSD via eye drops and smoking of psilocybin mushrooms.

Cleveland participants continued to report that PCP is

smoked either with marijuana or tobacco.

Participants and community professionals described typi-

cal hallucinogen users as young (teens and 20s), white,

marijuana users, people who attend music festivals and

raves, hippies, and Grateful Dead followers. In terms of PCP,

Cleveland participants described it as exclusively urban.

Inhalants

Inhalants remain highly available throughout OSAM

regions and include duster (DFE) and nitrous oxide. Par-

ticipants continued to report that nitrous oxide is sold in

balloons for $5 apiece and is most often obtained at clubs

and raves. Respondents described typical inhalant users as

younger (teens and 20s).

Ketamine

Only a few participants in the Cincinnati and Cleveland

regions reported on availability of ketamine (an anesthetic

typically used in veterinary medicine). Cincinnati partici-

pants reported low availability of ketamine during the

past six months, while Cleveland respondents reported

higher availability. Reports of current prices were provided

by participants with experience purchasing the drug: 1/10

gram sells for $15-20; a gram sells for $50. According to

Cincinnati participants, the most common route of admin-

istration for ketamine is intravenous injection (aka “shoot-

ing”), while Cleveland participants reported snorting as

most common. Participants in both regions described

typical ketamine users as hippies. In addition, treatment

providers in Cleveland described typical users as younger

and those using the drug to self-medicate for mental-

health issues.

Neurontin®

Neurontin® (gabapentin, an anticonvulsant often used

for nerve pain) remains moderately to highly available

throughout the ve OSAM regions that reported on the

drug. A law enforcement ocer in Athens remarked,

“Enormous Neurontin® abuse right now.” Athens, Cincinnati,

Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton participants indicated

that the street availability of Neurontin® has remained

the same or increased during the past six months.

Reports of current street prices were provided by par-

ticipants with experience purchasing or selling the drug

in the Athens and Columbus regions, with higher prices

indicated in the Athens region: 300 mg sells for $0.75-2;

600 mg sells for $2-4.

Reportedly, the most common route of administration for

illicit use of Neurontin® is oral consumption. Community

professionals in Dayton reported that some users snort the

drug. Participants and community professionals described

typical illicit Neurontin® users as opiate addicted, those

in jail or on probation, and those taking Suboxone® or

Vivitrol®. Participants explained that opiate addicts take

Neurontin® to self-medicate through periods of withdraw-

al, while those in Suboxone® or Vivitrol® treatment take the

drug for the slight high it produces.

OTCs

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications re-

main highly available across OSAM regions due to the legal

sale of these drugs. Participants and community profession-

als in Cincinnati and Dayton reported that street availability

of these drugs has remained the same during the past six

months. They also reported that users often mix OTC cough

syrups in juice or soda. Respondents described typical illicit

users of OTCs as younger (teens and 20s), African American,

and those into the hip-hop music scene.

Current Street Names of

Other Drugs

Bath salts jumpstart, salt

Inhalants whippets

LSD acid, blotters, strips

PCP

do-it juice, guerilla piss, water,

walking dead, woo

Psilocybin

mushrooms

caps, boomers, magic mushrooms,

Scooby snacks, shrooms