DRUG FASCINATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 March 1919, Page 3

DRUG FASCINATION.

Victims ,of the- drug habit may be divided into two classes—those who have contracted a craving for soothi ing drugs while suffering from a pain- '■ ful illness and those who resort voll untarily to drugs in order to derive a new sensation. Patients admitted into institutions which specialise in the drug cure arc for the most part composed of the first class, and under skilled treatment they can be cured. In the case of neurotic seekers after % excitemcnt drugs become more of a permanent habit, and the constitution is almost invariably destroyed. Dr. Mary Seharlich, the well-known woman pathologist, said: "Many women find a strange fascination in doping themselves and tel-rible harm may bo caused by having drugs easily at hand in the home. The. knowledge that a certain, if temporary, cure for pain or sleeplessness is within reach pneves (oo tempting, and accidents, and even tragedies, are caused in consequence. The question of a cure depends entirely on the strength of mind possessed by the patient, and, of course, on the length of time devoted tic th ' habit." she agreed that the voluntary and involuntary victims are two distinct classes, and declared that the lamentable increase in the drug habit threatens to become a national calamity. Inquiries show that the traffic in cocaine, morphine, and herioin is largely in the hands of that section of the swell mob who tlnivo on illicit gambling, blackmailing, and the white slave traffic. They easily find customers, for one of the peculiarities of the drug habitis that confirmed victims are eager to introduce the practice to others, and by exaggerating its curative virtues and stimulating properties induce the unwary to fall into the same pit of inevitable disease and depression.

"Necessity makes inehes of miles—mole hills of mountains."—Stamus.

Way over in Sydney a lady tried to get B'axter ! s Lung Preserver —but, failing, wrote as follows: —"I am enclosing £2 for some Baxter's Lung Preserver. One bottle did me such a lot of good in jST.Z. that I want more." And it will do you good, too. Just now, when the barometer is so restless, you should have a large 2s. (3d. bottlte handy. Chemists and stores. 1