The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1871-05-25
Is 1NTox1cAT1oN A DISEASES

Is MT0xIcATI0N A DISEASES
No subject has engrossed more of the atten-
ti0n OF moral rcfsrmers than the uee and abuse
Of alcoholic stimulants. Scarcely any two OF
these feformers agree upon the policy that
should be adopted to control it. Total absti-
pence men, local optionists, "prohibitionists,
moral suasi0nists, and even the moderate
drinkers" have each in turn found sturdy ad-
vocates and followers.
ALL ADMIT THAT ALCOHOL Is POISON
useful. like other poisons, as medicine. Near
ly all admit, tho, that its habitual use as bev-
craving. It penetrates the system and affects
all the functions, organs and tissues. It affects
the lpental faculties through the brain, and
takes away the strength of the will and the
power of self control. It reaches the vital or
gaas the heart. the liver, the stomach. kidneys,
and bowels The longer man indulges in its
excessive or immoderate use, the less restraint
is he capable of exercising over himself, until,
at last. the quantity which he drinks is only
limited by his physical endurance and the ca
pacity of bis stomach. Yet this class of drink
ers, who have lost their force of will and self
control, are not beyond redemption. In most
cases they are entirely conscious of their state,
and would reform if they could, but lack the
moral strength to push away the poison. If
they could be surrounded by restraining infiu-
ences-fresh air, wholesome and varied diet,
and careful medical help; il they could DO
placed under the judicious control of those who
would supply to them the judgment and will
which they have impaired, they could be cured.
What the habitual drunkard needs is the moral
power to stop drinking He knows his condi-
ton, and sees the damage he is doing himself
every day.
HABITUAL DRUNKENNESS
was formerly considered an affair beyond the
reach and cure, and entirely out of the sphere
of the doctor of medicine. A victim on whom
Incorporate habits had taken firm hold was
looked on as beyond reclamation. The man
who had wallowed once in the gutter was held
to be irrevocably lost. The regular, habitual
drunkard was looked upon as only fit to be
given over to the jibes of bad boys, and ruled
out, as an outcast beyond the pale of consider
alton, by society. Thirty years ago none but
scientific professors of the most advanced
school of medicine looked upon drunkenness
as disease. and even twenty years ago the
applauders and admirers of Coughs eloquence
would have been shocked if told that inebriety
was disease for which the habitual drunkard
had in one sense ceased to be responsible.
HAPPILY, ALL THIS HAS CHANGED,
and the wisest opinion is that drunkenness 10 a
disease like most of the other ills that the
flesh is heir to-" and should be treated as they
are, BY the most accurate and scientific knowl-
edge. Inebriate asylums have demonstrated
the value Of the treatment of this great curse
as disease, and experience in this country
has shown it is as futile to endeavor to extir-
pate the disease Of intemperance by legislative
prohibition against its contraction. as it would
be to make similar legislative prohibition"
against other diseases
In those asylums for inebriates that hare
been established for years in this country, the
most beneficial results have been manifest.
THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS
to the vice have been entirely reclaimed, and
are now valuable members Of society, and are
the most enthusiastic advocates of treating
drunkenness as disease. In these establish
ments the patient first undergoes, as DO the in-
sane. proper compulsory restraint until he
becomes aware of the disease that has pos
seseed him. Then he will persist in the absti-
nence which he knows is his only salvation.
He is supplied with good diet, and, as far as
possible. his mind is put at ease. He has oc-
cupaton suited to his tastes and past life, soci-
ETY. and recreation, books, music, walks, drives
and every other wholesome amusement. His
appetite for alcoholic stimulants gradually SUBJ
sides, while the strength of his will is fortified
and increased. Healthy blood takes the place
of poisoned, natural tastes the place of the de-
PRAYED. The whole physique resumes its
original elasticity and strength The disease
is commonly cured in few months. and the
diseased patient returns to the walks of use-
fulness and honor.
These are the results Of the treatment Of this
disease in skillful and scientific manner by
the best regulated asylums in the country. Is
there not great field afforded in the proper
of the matter. in q broad and
catholic spirit, for the exercise Of private 40
well as public enefcenceg-Phil. RevieU.