THE PERIL AND PLAGUE OF NARCOTICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1298, 26 July 1886, Page 2

THE PERIL AND PLAGUE OF NARCOTICS.

ScaTCQ’y a week passes without some sad i roof of the folly of a reckless or Insuffioloatly careful use of narcotics. It is almost to be regretted that there are so many agents capable of producing mimic, OB poisoned, Bleep, known to the profession and the public It is now the exception, instead of the rule, to find a man or woman of middle age who is not more or less addicted to the abuse of morphia, chi )ral, bromide of pot issium, or some of the many sleep-inducers or pain relievers which the mnaieeatn century has distinguished itself by evolving for the oai« and comfort of our less enduring and increasing sensitive and excitable humanity. It is nothing to the purpose that the deleterious effects of the potent drugs, when taken habitually, even la small quantities, have been again and again exposed. It Is so pleasantly facile to prescribe a remedy which is sure to give present relief, whatever may happen in the future ; and those who have learned to purchase unconsciousness or ease at what seems to be a very small price are only too ready to renew the experience when any fresh cause of sleeplessness or pain arises. Sooner or later some strong measure will need to be taken with the view of arresting this really serious “ habit” ot taking sedatives, which is extending its Influence and gaining strength year by year. Meanwhile we do earnestly counsel our readers to refrain from having resource to these drugs themselves, and to use their antlu - rity with patients In condemnation of a demoralising and disastrous practice. The victims of the abuse must not simply be counted by those who die of it, but by those who are left to drag out miserable lives, the victims of cravings, and nameless and numberless sufferings, which morphia, chloral, bromide—nowcocaine — and a host of insidious poisons, are the active agents in producing.—Lancet.