AN EXPERIENCE WITH OPIUM. 339 



enemy." During the first three months I gained over twenty pounds 

 in weight. 



There is one thing which the habitu'e, wishing to be cured would 

 perhaps anticipate with dread ; that is, an insatiable craving for the 

 old stimulant, and a consequent prolonged and weary resistance of 

 temptation. I can only say that, greatly to my surprise, I have felt 

 no craving for it at any time since the beginning of my treatment. 

 This may seem a strange statement to any one under the sorcery of the 

 drug, and conscious of its fearful grip. There is of course the knowl- 

 edge, from experience, of the marvelous potency of opium in annul- 

 ling all discomfort and distress of body or mind ; but this is all. The 

 sense of profound satisfaction, ever present, at the release from its 

 slavery, as well as a lively appreciation of the great danger of again 

 tampering with it, is sufficient to leave the temptation whatever it 

 may be from such knowledge, powerless. 



The special effect of opium on the system is functional. This fact 

 is one great encouragement in attempting a cure from the " habit." 

 The sudden recuperative power manifested, after this paralyzing dead- 

 weight is removed, is a great surprise to the patient. Difficulties which 

 had borne to him the grave aspect of serious organic disease vanish as 

 by magic. 



There was no secret about this treatment there were no wonderful 

 remedies unknown to the world used. The therapeutics included 

 bromide of sodium, hot baths, electricity, and other well-known seda- 

 tive and tonic medicines. The key-stone of the treatment is in prelim- 

 inary sedation ; that is, while the morphia is being rapidly withdrawn 

 during a period varying from seven to ten days the nervous sys- 

 tem is, at the same time, as rapidly brought under the influence of an 

 efficient sedative, which reaches its maximum effect at the time of 

 complete opiate withdrawal. 



Two years have passed since my escape from the thralldom of 

 opium, and during the far larger portion of that time I could record 

 an experience of renewed vitality a condition of vigor and elasticity 

 that could only have its origin in perfect health. I use no stimulants 

 whatever, other than tea and coffee ; and my health has now been so 

 long fully re-established that I feel the better assured in giving some 

 account of my personal experience. I shall be glad if the narrative be 

 of encouragement to others in the same strait those who have here- 

 tofore believed escape from their situation only possible through 

 prolonged agonies. The inevitable chasm which must be crossed in 

 effecting a cure of the opium-disease can be bridged, as I found. One 

 must know something of the breadth and depth of that chasm, to be 

 able to appreciate the achievement. 



