The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-07-19
DOMAIN OF TEMPERANCE.
LIE PSYCHOLOGY OF DRINK.


The psychology of drink is a sub
ject SO comprehensive, so subtle and
in many respects so contradictory,
both in cause and effect, that. in a
short article | can only touch briefly
upon few points which, trust, may
prove not only interesting, but instruc-
tive.
The lecturer on total abstinence
often detracts from the value of an
admirable address with some such
remark as: 81 have been a lifelong
abstainer, and l cannot understand
why man drinks" The failure on
his part to solve the problem may be
explained by the opening words of the
sentence.
Surely one who has himself, unfor-
tunately, fallen victim to this terrible
temptation-and in consequence has
known the direst pangs of poverty and
destitution-may be better qualified
to speak. Such a qualification, 1
grieve to say, is mine, and the straits
to which I am reduced may be gagged
by the fact that am writing this in
one of the great warehouses; of Lon
don. Yet / venture thus to write in
the hope that my practical experience
OF inebriety may prove of service not
only to those who are similarly
tempted, but also to those who,
through kinship, friendship or guar
dlanshlp, have to deal with the
inebriate.
only those who, like myself, know
the appalling force of this terrible
temptation can suggest, though made
quately, some of the causes that lead
to a downfall so disastrous and so sad.
In the first place, let it be remem-
bered that to the man who has once
acquired the drink habit temptation is
ever present.
Total abstinence-voluntary or COM
pulsory-for year or two, or even
longer, though it may dissipate all
acute craving for alcohol, does not
necessarily alter the disposition or
temperament of a man. But, it may
be asked, why does a man who has
overcome the craving for drink will
fully return to what he knows to be a
fatal and overwhelming danger?
This is question which is difficult
to answer, because, owing to the
many and varied conditions and cir
cumstances of different people. there
are many and varied influences which
affect different people in different
ways. I think may even go so far
as to say that believe that that which
may be danger to one man may be
help to another. However, speaking
from my own experience, | believe
That there is always more or less dan
ger in excitement. All extremes are
fraught with risk. I have found in
finite danger in very good news and in
very bad news, in oYerconfidence and
in despair, in too many cheerful.
thoughtless companions and in the
dire and terrible realization that I
have not friend in the world.
Again, to the man making a valiant
fight, who himself alone is conscious
of the fact that in spite of many temp
tations he has yet managed to keep
straight, it is depressing and even
dangerous to receive a letter from
those nearest and dearest discrediting
his profession of steadfastness. The
danger here lies in the fact that,
realizing that no one trusts him, he
feels that there is NO trust to betray.
Then there is the danger arising from
the loss of self-respect Self-respect
may ebb away almost imperceptibly,
and man may find himself regard
Ing with complacency that from which
twelve months previously he would
have turned away with a shudder.
And so, gradually, where drink is con-
cerned, there comes deception-decep-
ton not only to others, but also of
ones self
have known cases of men, other
wise absolutely honorable and true,
who have not hesitated to utter false
hoods either to obtain drink or to
shield themselves. But they are also
ready to deceive themselves. They
know the danger, yet they readily
beguile themselves with any specious
argument which will afford a pretext
or excuse for indulging 'just in one
glass;" Yet to such an argument, COM
ing from any other source than from
themselves, they would not for
moment listen.
Alas! it is only too often that it is
just chat one glass; that leads-not
perhaps Immediately, but sooner or
later, down the slippery stepping
stones to lower depths.
How, then, can such men be helped?
No act of Parliament, though it may
to some extent prove to be a safe
guard, will make man sober. Other
influences, especially those that ap-
peal to the good that is to be found
in every man-e. g., religion-must be
brought to bear.
In many cases it may be absolutely
necessary that the inebriate should 90
into home. His environment should
be cheerful, his friendships elevating
and not degrading. He should be
treated with kindness, and, as far as
possible, he should be trusted, and
made to realize the fact that his
honor is at stake. And last, but not
least, he should have healthy and
congenial employment, with cheerful.
manly society and good food.
And lastly, a word to the tempted
i