Strips

The street name "strips" refers to paper strips soaked in illicit drugs. The practice became popular in the mid-1960s¹ as a discreet way to ingest LSD. In recent years, the use of strips is a way to smuggle drugs into correctional facilities².

Association with buprenorphine medication

Depending on its context, "strips" could refer to buprenorphine, a primary drugs used to treat opioid use dependency. Buprenorphine prescriptions typically come in the form of a sublingual (aka placed under the tongue) tablet or film. The film is where the name "strips" comes from, as it resembles a small strip of paper. 

Buprenorphine has several brand names, but the most common is Suboxone®. Suboxone strips, Subutex® strips, and Sublocade® injections are all based on the same drug but have slightly different use cases.

Association with other drugs 

Buprenorphine isn't the only drug that comes in strips, however. Some illicit drugs like LSD (acid) and other synthetic substances can be formulated into strips or used to saturate blotter paper². People might refer to these drugs as strips or by other names, but they are distinct from buprenorphine used in a medical context, which can help a person fight opioid addiction.

Association with fentanyl test strips

"Strips" can also refer to fentanyl test strips used to quickly, discreetly, and reliably identify the presence of fentanyl in a drug supply. Since fentanyl is so extremely potent, even a small amount contaminating a supply can be deadly. Fentanyl test strips are vital for anyone who uses illicit drugs. These easy-to-use test strips can help individuals avoid overdose and make informed choices about their drug use. 

Why do drugs have street/slang names?

Drugs have street names for several reasons. Street names come from abbreviations of a drug's name (such as calling ketamine "K") or a description of the drug's effects (such as calling MDMA ecstasy). Street names are also convenient for remaining discreet while discussing a drug³.

Oftentimes, a single drug will have several slang names, and many of them are regionally specific. What a drug's called on the East Coast may not be at all similar to what it's called in other parts of the country.

What are Suboxone strips?

When receiving prescription buprenorphine from Ophelia as a part of treatment, you're likely to receive either strips or tabs. Ophelia will walk you through the induction process to ensure that your treatment begins safely and securely. Strips are taken by placing them under the tongue and waiting about 10 to 15 minutes for them to dissolve. People should never swallow Suboxone strips.

Depending on a person’s needs, they may receive a prescription for Subutex instead of Suboxone strips. This drug is available in tablet form instead of a film, and it lacks the naloxone component present in Suboxone. Subutex's side effects largely match those of Suboxone and other buprenorphine-related drugs.

Learn more

Terms related to buprenorphine

• Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist used to treat opioid addiction
• Bupe: A street name for buprenorphine
• Sublocade: An injectable form of buprenorphine
• Suboxone: A combination drug containing buprenorphine and naloxone
• Subutex: A sublingual buprenorphine tablet

Other drug street names 

• Boxes: A name for Suboxone formed by cutting off the beginning and end of the word
• Oranges: A street name for various buprenorphine drugs, like Subutex and Suboxone
• Subs: A colloquial abbreviation of the name Suboxone

Sources

1. (25 March 2025). LSD Toxicity. Medscape. Retrieved August 8, 2025, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1011615-overview
2. Kuai, D., Rivera Blanco, L.E., Krotulski, A., et al. (23 December 2024). Identification and Health Risks of an Emerging Means of Drug Use in Correctional Facilities. JAMA Network Open. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2828392
3. Akhgari, M. (11 March 2016). Street Level Heroin, an Overview on Its Components and Adulterants. Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800213-1.00081-X

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