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to chase the dragon
01
to smoke heroin, typically by heating it on foil and inhaling the vapors
Slang
What does "to chase the dragon" mean in drug slang?
The phrase "to chase the dragon" refers to inhaling the vapor of heroin (or similar opioids) after heating it on foil, then following the drifting smoke as it is inhaled. The structure is metaphorical slang, where "dragon" represents the elusive vapor and the act suggests trying to keep up with it. It is commonly used in drug-related contexts to describe this method of heroin use.
Examples
He chased the dragon in the alley to avoid being seen.
