The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-10-17
INcURABLE DRUG HABITS.
Results of Inquiries as to Their Dire Progress in England,

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 Results of Inquiries as to Their Dire | Progress in England.
 Public attention has recently been
 drawn to the drug habit by cases in the courts. Some time ago man and wo- man were placed in the dock together. Their condition Of nervous distress was pitiable, and they implored the magis- trate to allow them to have morpilia. Their sufferings were so acute that the request was eventually agreed to. and the immediate result was marvellous. Their misery and dejection disappeared ana, Tor q time at least, they seemed perfectly restored
 More recently a man charged with dishonest dealing told the magistrate that he was a victim to cocaine. and while under the influence of the drug ! did not know what happened. Inquiries show that the vice is much more com mon than is generally imagined. Nat urally, it Is intended to be a secret sin. but the victim of the habit quickly be- comes mentally and physically demor- alized to an extent which renders the services of the doctor imperative.
 ~ this subject Dr. Forbes Winslew speaks with the authority Of one who has made a close study of the disease for many years. To reporter he en- tered into the matter at some length. and during the interview quoted from a number of works which he has written on the subject.
 ipi lakS.e, f,J .r fl. chief causes of degeneration in the hu- man race is indulgence in opium or the drug habit In China there are upward of three millions of opium eaters, and the number is gradually increasing. Tn one year the value of opium which was sent into England was over 100000 pounds. One curious thing in reference to the drug is that 1t takes hold of the individual absolutely; 1t degenerates him, and makes him quite unfit for the ordinary duties of life. The first symp- toms are feelings of content and slight excitement followed by laughter of an involuntary nature. At the first stage the smoker has feelings of delight, while the temperature is increased. Circumstances which happened long
 
 inality, and the future appears bright. As the habit increases this feeling of exaltation is followed by depression At first the complexion, and particular ly the eyes, present g brilliant appear ance, but afterward the face becomes. intensely pale, and generally insensis bility supervenes.'
 Do these conditions apply also5to those who are addicted to cocaine?"
 "Yes, entirely. When was in New York some time ago spent a good deal of time in the Chinese quarter, and 1t was most ordinary thing to see Euro-t pean women there, who had become fascinated by the habit, hanging out of the windows. They had become it's vic tims to such an extent that they were incapable of leaving the quarter. Many of them were ladies" #5
 Docs the drug habit assume serious proportions here in England?"
 "Yes, 1t is very common thing, chiefly among ladies. Usually it is talk en in the beginning to allay pain. With- out doubt large amount of laudanum is consumed by the upper classes in with alcohol. It is hard and fast rule that a dipsomaniac is also addicted to the morphia habit, but not vice versa"
 You mean that a dipsomaniac who is deprived of drink would try to get drugs, but that victim of the drug habit does not care about alcohol?"
 Exactly" S4
 'Is the habit increasing in this coun-, try?" x
 Very much. As long ago as 1872 no less than 356211 pounds of opium were imported into England, and if the in- diligence was measured by this stand ard the decline and fall of the social system might be confidently predicted. < N
 What about the effects?" E
 Well, they are many. As have al-s ready stated, in the early stages the drug produces beautiful feelings and visions. The feelings of the eater are not merely pleasurable; he experiences great delight and brilliant fancies which transcend all real and healthy impress sions. Without doubt many painters have done fine work under the influence of opium.
 At first onIg small lp1sa quantity is talk
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