THE EVIL EFFECTS OF NARCOTIC DRUGS USED AS MEDICINE
By Kate Lindsay
In addition to the almost universal use of narcotics, without either their prescription or their sanction by a physician, the use of a great number of drugs of the same nature, which are prescribed by the profession as medicines, is gradually becoming more prevalent among the laity, without any medical advice or prescription. In fact, it would seem as if the use of narcotics by the people at large often begins with a medical prescription filled once by the doctor's orders, and ever after by order of the patient, who soon learns that the taking of this drug gives immunity from physical suffering, for a short time, at least, or produces unconsciousness of mental discomfort. The temptation to get even short periods of freedom from mental and physical suffering leads to indifference concerning the after results, which are increase of pain and mental distress. Once the patient has taken on himself the prescribing, it means larger doses of the medicine at more frequent intervals; for the nerves become weakened by the use of the drug, and the body loses its power to endure pain and discomfort. There is a long list of these drugs in common use by the profession, the principal of which are opium and its various preparations. Then there are chloral, kola, hasheesh, absinth; all the coal-tar preparations, as antifebrine, antipyrine, phenacetin, cocaine, etc.; and the bromides; to say nothing of the extracts of the various nerve-quieting herbs, as valerian, celery, and a long list used by patent-medicine men in the manufacture of their various compounds. All these are purchased and swallowed in the form of patent medicines by a gullible public, or taken under their own proper name as purchased from the druggist. One and all, they damage and derange the nerves, and destroy the harmonious, painless working activity of the different organs of the body. It has been estimated that there are about half a million opium inebriates in the United States, three fourths of whom are women; also that this habit is increasing every year. Just think what must be the effects of all this drugging on the sensitive nervous system of women; and through this nervous demoralization of the mothers, how the children must suffer! Opium especially is used in many forms. In some cases it is taken after the Eastern method, by smoking until the narcotic sleep is produced; in other cases it is taken in the form of morphine injections, and in yet others in the form of fluid preparations, as laudanum, paregoric, and the many forms of infantile “soothing” sirups, which annually soothe many little ones into oblivion, and which are “so handy” as sleep producers for the unprincipled nurse when she wishes to spend an afternoon with some favorite chum or admirer. How frequently have I seen mothers thoughtlessly handle these deadly drugs, and indifferently pour them out for their babies. To be sure, the little one rested after taking the benumbing drug. The fermenting food, which was injuring the delicate digestive organs, went on doing its work just the same. The little sufferer made no outcry. Pain was stopped, because the nerves were deadened. It would be just as sensible for the sleepy army officer who did not wish to get up and face the on-coming enemy at night, to order the sentinel killed who fired off his rifle and gave the signal that the enemy was near. If the welfare of the people demands that a pledge be taken against all previously mentioned injurious drugs, there is surely need of one against the use of narcotic medicinal drugs, especially the use of such strong and dangerous drugs as are opium and all its preparations. More will be written concerning the mental and physical effects of these drugs.