Slang Usage in the Addict Subculture

Abstract

The drug addict lives in a unique world, differing even in its language, a new jargon. Possibly nothing more clearly illustrates the fact that drug addiction has cultural components than the special communication among its members. This special argot plays an important role in the society of the drug user by pro viding in-group cohesion and communication.

Until the advent of large numbers of juveniles into the outer fringes of the addict subculture, little was known of this unique language except by police and persons specializing in the rehabil itation of the addict. The juveniles picked up much of the slang and put it into popular usage.

Through the facilities of the police departments of large cities throughout the United States, a glossary of current slang usage was compiled and is included in this article.