Letter to the Editor

Substance-abuse Slang Terms and Implications for Cultural Groups Including Orthodox Jews

Authors: Joshua Fogel, PhD

Abstract

The article by Hamid et al1 regarding the numerous medical and slang terms used to describe various types of substance abuse is quite comprehensive. One area not discussed is the implication of recognizing these terms for diverse cultural populations. Culture and language are important factors for predicting substance abuse.2 An awareness of culture-specific terms would allow healthcare professionals to quickly recognize if a slang term used by a patient of a particular cultural population warrants more inquiry about the patient’s possible substance abuse.

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References

1. Hamid H, El-Mallakh RS, Vandeveir K. Substance abuse: medical and slang terminology. SouthMed J 2005;98:350–362.
 
2. Chen J, Bauman A, Rissel C, et al. Substance use in high school students in New South Wales, Australia, in relation to language spoken at home. J Adolesc Health 2000;26:53–63.
 
3. Fogel J. Illegal drug use in orthodox Jewish adolescents. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2004;3:17–31.