Substance-abuse slang terms and implications for cultural groups including orthodox Jews.To the Editor: The article by Hamid et al (1) 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. Also, at least one slang term was omitted. In my recently published research of the first scientific study of illegal drug use among Orthodox Jewish adolescents, the slang term of "schmif" is used to describe marijuana marijuana or marihuana, drug obtained from the flowering tops, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (see hemp) or C. indica; the latter species can withstand colder climates. use. (3) This was not included in the published listing of Hamid et al. (1) By recognizing the language used by diverse cultural populations, healthcare professionals may more readily address the needs of these groups and may, therefore, have a greater impact on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Joshua Fogel, PHD Department of Economics Brooklyn College Brooklyn College: see New York, City University of. of the City University of New York The City University of New York (CUNY; acronym: IPA pronunciation: [kjuni]), is the public university system of New York City. (CUNY CUNY City University of New York ) Brooklyn, NY 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 New South Wales, state (1991 pop. 5,164,549), 309,443 sq mi (801,457 sq km), SE Australia. It is bounded on the E by the Pacific Ocean. Sydney is the capital. The other principal urban centers are Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Lismore, Wollongong, and Broken Hill. , 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. Letters to the Editor are welcomed. They may report new clinical or laboratory observations and new developments in medical care or may contain comments on recent contents of the Journal. They will be published, if found suitable, as space permits. Like other material submitted for publication, letters must be typewritten type·write intr. & tr.v. type·wrote , type·writ·ten , type·writ·ing, type·writes To engage in writing or to write (matter) with a typewriter. , double-spaced, and submitted in duplicate. They must not exceed two typewritten pages in length. No more than five references and one figure or table may be used. See "Information for Authors" for format of references, tables, and figures. Editing, possible abridgment, and acceptance remain the prerogative An exclusive privilege. The special power or peculiar right possessed by an official by virtue of his or her office. In English Law, a discretionary power that exceeds and is unaffected by any other power; the special preeminence that the monarch has over and above all others, of the Editors. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion