The relation of alcoholism to insanity has been a muchmooted problem. The people in those countries that take more wine than any other alcohol are very nervous, irritable, high-strung, quick of temper. Those who drink beer are very sluggish, and more inclined to suicide. All people who get under the depressing influence of alcohol will be troubled more or less with delusion. Alcohol diathesis is in reality the suicidal temperament.
Digestion is usually the first function to suffer.
Chronic gastritis starts up in the regular toper, causing a thickening of the mucous membrane. The tongue is heavily coated, and the eyelids are granular. The next organ to be affected is the liver. Those who are inclined to eat too much starchy food, along with alcohol-tippling, will produce sluggishness of the liver. There will be so much inactivity brought on from drinking and heavy eating that the liver becomes enlarged.